Teaching by Drake Holderman
Big Question: Why Did Jesus Come?
Movement One | The Mission of Jesus
John the Baptist’s Declaration
“Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!”
— John 1:29
Before Jesus preached a sermon, performed a miracle, or called a disciple, John announced why Jesus came: To deal with humanity’s greatest problem — sin.
Why Was This Important?
- Lambs in the Old Testament were sacrificed for sin.
- Animal sacrifices could never permanently remove guilt.
- Humanity could not save itself.
- Jesus came to do what we could never do for ourselves.
Jesus’ Own Statements About Why He Came
- To seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10)
- To serve and give His life as a ransom (Mark 10:45)
- To bring abundant life (John 10:10)
- To bring light into darkness (John 12:46)
Luke 4 | Jesus Identifies Himself
Jesus reads from Isaiah in the synagogue and declares: “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.”
Jesus publicly identifies Himself as:
- The promised Messiah
- The fulfillment of prophecy
- The One sent to rescue sinners
Movement Two | Jesus’ Baptism & The Father’s Affirmation
Matthew 3:13–17
Why Was Jesus Baptized? Jesus had no sin, so why enter a baptism of repentance?
Four Key Explanations
- Jesus obeyed the Father’s will
- Jesus identified Himself with sinners
- Jesus publicly began His Messianic mission
- Jesus succeeded where Israel failed
Jesus & Israel Parallel
| Israel | Jesus
| Passed through water | Passed through baptism
| Entered wilderness | Entered wilderness
| Failed in temptation | Triumphed over temptation
Baptism by Immersion
- Jesus came “up out of the water”
- Greek word: baptizo = immerse, plunge, submerge
- Baptism pictures:
The Trinity at Jesus’ Baptism
- The Son stands in the water
- The Spirit descends like a dove
- The Father speaks from heaven
“This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”
Application for Parents: The Father affirmed Jesus before public accomplishment.
Children need to hear:
- “I love you.”
- “I’m proud of you.”
- “I’m thankful to be your parent.”
- “I’m pleased with who you are becoming.”
Movement Three | Jesus Tested in the Wilderness
Matthew 4:1–11
After the baptism comes testing.
Jesus goes:
- From the Jordan River → to the wilderness
- From affirmation → to temptation
Jesus fasted forty days and was genuinely hungry, tired, and weak. Satan attacks Him in that moment of hunger.
Temptation #1 | Stones to Bread
Satan’s Temptation: “Satisfy Yourself apart from the Father.”
Jesus’ Response: “Man shall not live on bread alone…”
Lesson: God’s Word is greater than temporary physical desires.
Temptation #2 | Throw Yourself Down
Satan’s Temptation: “Force God to prove Himself.”
Jesus’ Response: “Do not put the Lord your God to the test.”
Lesson: Faith trusts God without manipulating God.
Temptation #3 | Worship Me
Satan’s Temptation: “Take the crown without the cross.”
Jesus’ Response: “Worship the Lord your God and serve Him only.”
Lesson: Faithfulness to God matters more than worldly power or glory.
Movement Four | Jesus Calls His First Disciples
Matthew 4:18–22
Jesus Calls Ordinary People
- Fishermen
- Blue-collar workers
- Ordinary men
Jesus says: “Come, follow me.”
Jesus took:
- Their skills
- Their discipline
- Their perseverance
…and redirected them toward the kingdom of God.
Immediate Obedience: “At once they left their nets and followed Him.”
Their nets represented:
Yet Jesus was worth leaving everything behind for.
Jesus called all kinds of people:
- Fishermen
- Tax collectors
- Zealots
- Rich and poor
- Different personalities and backgrounds
What united them was Jesus.
Final Takeaway
The One who came to take away the sin of the world now begins gathering people to join Him in His mission to the world.
Christianity was never meant to be spectator faith. Jesus calls ordinary people to:
- Follow Him
- Trust Him
- Participate in the kingdom of God
The gospel is not merely a story to be heard. It is a life to be lived.
