A children’s hymn by Ann Gilbert (1782-1866) expresses very simply and beautifully the reason why the Son of God came into the world.

 Jesus, who lived above the sky,

Came down to be a Man and die;

And in the Bible we may see

How very good He used to be.

The Bible tells that “Christ Jesus … being in the form of God…made Himself of no reputation” as He entered our world. (Phil.2:5-7)

He went about – He was so kind –

To cure poor people who were blind;

And many who were sick and lame,

He pitied them, and did the same.

Jesus “went about doing good… healing all that were oppressed of the devil,” (Acts 10:38) He lived a life of remarkable kindness.

And more than that, He told them too

The things that God would have them do;

And was so gentle and so mild,

He would have listened to a child.

People who heard Jesus marvelled at “the gracious words which proceeded out of His mouth,” (Lk.4:22). He was unique.

But such a cruel death He died:

He was hung up and crucified!

And those kind hands that did such good

They nailed them to a cross of wood!

 “And when they were come to the place… called Calvary, there they crucified Him,” (Lk.23:33). How painful – and seemingly unjust!

And so He died: and this is why

He came to be a Man and die:

The Bible says He came from heaven

That we might have our sins forgiven.

The reason was this: Christ, the Just One, suffered in the place of the unjust – “that He might bring us to God,” (1 Pet.3:18).

He knew how wicked man had been,

And knew that God must punish sin;

So, out of pity, Jesus said

He’d bear the punishment instead. (1)

 “Jesus therefore, knowing all things that should come upon Him, went forth,” (Jn.18:4) He went out willingly to face that cruel death.

The Son of God took our place and died to save us from eternal punishment. We need to recognize what He has done and, from our hearts, ask Him to forgive our sins and enter our lives. Are you prepared to do that?