Forthright Magazine http://www.forthright.net/ Straight to the Cross We'd like to hear from our readers. Never made a comment online? Follow the link at the end of the article in this email. At the bottom of the webpage there are spaces for you to write in. Have a say! COLUMN: COMMUNION MEDITATION Why Did Jesus Come to Earth? by Jeff A. Jenkins Our Savior came to earth for two primary reasons. First, he came to show us how to live. Peter said, Christ left "an example for you to follow in his steps" (1 Peter 2:21). The Holy Spirit, through the Apostle Paul, instructed us on a number of occasions that we should follow the example of Jesus. "Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ" (1 Corinthians 11:1). "Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 2:5). In Galatians 4:19, Paul stated that his prayer was that Christ would be "formed in you." In addition to coming to earth to show us how to live, Jesus also came to die. It was his death on the cross that insured the salvation of every person (Luke 19:10). He said of himself, "And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself" (John 12:32). After Jesus came down from the Mount of Transfiguration, Luke tells us that he was "determined to go to Jerusalem" (Luke 9:51). He was determined to make this journey because of his commitment to saving the world through his death. When God's family gathers at the Table we should be thankful that Jesus came to die so that we might have life. We should also be thankful that through his example we learn how to live. "Why did my Savior come to earth, And to the humble go? Why did He choose a lowly birth? Because He loved me so! Why did He drink the bitter cup Of sorrow, pain and woe? Why on the cross be lifted up? Because He loved me so! He loved me so He loved me so He gave His precious life for me, for me Because He loved me so" G.J. Dailey (Words Public Domain) ---- Read this article online, write your reaction, and read others' comments as well. Click here: http://tinyurl.com/33msrd2 You can help get the word out. Here's how: http://www.forthright.net/editorial/lend_a_hand.html