Understanding Christ’s Mission: Reflections for Advent
The Advent season is a time of preparation and reflection, drawing believers closer to the essence of Christmas—the coming of Jesus Christ into the world. As the Fourth Sunday of Advent approaches, thoughts turn to the deeper significance of this holy time. Dr. Jeremiah J. Johnston, a noted expert in New Testament studies, offers profound insights into Christ’s purpose as articulated in the Epistle to the Hebrews.
The Significance of Christ’s Words
Within the pages of Hebrews, one finds powerful declarations attributed to Jesus: “Sacrifice and offering you did not desire, but a body you prepared for me; in holocausts and sin offerings you took no delight. Then I said, ‘As is written of me in the scroll, behold, I come to do your will, O God’” (Hebrews 10:5-7). This passage is believed to encapsulate Christ’s mission at the time of his incarnation, according to Dr. Johnston, who serves as the president of the Christian Thinkers Society and is based at Prestonwood Baptist Church near Dallas.
The Context of Christ’s Birth
Dr. Johnston elucidates that the context surrounding Jesus’ birth was rife with both religious and political turmoil. “He was born into a time of religious and political exhaustion,” Johnston noted. The Jewish faith during this era had, unfortunately, transformed into a complex web of 613 laws—248 commands urging action and 365 prohibitions. This legalistic approach often overshadowed true devotion to God, rendering worship a burdensome experience rather than a heartfelt expression of faith.
The Harsh Realities of Life Under Roman Rule
Beyond the religious struggles, the daily realities of life under Roman rule were harsh. With an average life expectancy plummeting to just 20 years, nearly a quarter of the population found themselves in dire need of medical attention. Additionally, a staggering 40% of people lived in slavery, while the so-called “Pax Romana” failed to deliver genuine peace. Many were left yearning for hope and liberation.
The True Source of Peace
“Real peace didn’t come through religious rituals or political power,” Johnston asserted. He highlights that true peace and hope emerged through Jesus’ obedience to God’s will on humanity’s behalf. His mission, as articulated in Hebrews 10:7, underscores: “Then I said, ‘Here I am—it is written about me in the scroll—I have come to do your will, O God.’”
A Call to Sincere Worship
As Christmas draws near, Dr. Johnston urges believers to contemplate this important message. “These words remind us that God desires wholehearted obedience, not empty rituals,” he emphasizes. Such reflection brings to light the phrase “written in the scroll,” marking Jesus’ steadfast commitment to Scripture throughout His life, drawing parallels from His first words to His ultimate sacrifice on the cross.
The Heart of True Sacrifice
In contrast to the Old Testament sacrificial system, which often lacked genuine faith, Jesus’ sacrifice was one of heartfelt devotion. Johnston articulates that “God rejects hollow religious acts devoid of sincere commitment,” while Jesus willingly offered His life to fulfill the divine plan laid out before the world’s foundation. This dichotomy emphasizes a critical aspect of spiritual worship: “What God looks for is not outward performance, but inward faithfulness.”
Reflecting on the True Meaning of Advent
As observers worldwide prepare for the festive celebration of Jesus’ birth, Johnston underscores the need to reflect on the core of Christ’s mission and the significance behind His words and actions. “These verses capture the very essence of Jesus’ mission,” he remarks. He explains that through His incarnation, Jesus defeated sin and accomplished God’s will through His life, death, burial, and resurrection.
The Essence of Real Worship
Dr. Johnston culminates his insights with an important point regarding true worship. “Real worship isn’t about lifeless traditions but is focused on heartfelt obedience—something we could never achieve without His atoning help,” he remarked. As the faithful seek to follow Christ’s example in this final week of Advent, he encourages them to offer their lives sincerely to God, magnifying His love and peace through their actions.
A Prayer for the Advent Season
As we approach Christmas, may we reflect on the true meaning of Advent and strive to embody the principles that Jesus exemplified. “Let us offer our lives in sincere devotion to God,” Johnston encourages, “and may we rely on Him as we seek to live out His will.” This Advent season serves as a timely reminder that the heart of Christ’s mission lies not just in the birth of a child in Bethlehem but in the transformative power of obedience, hope, and love that continues to resonate through the ages.
This HTML formatted article provides a journalistic interpretation of Dr. Jeremiah J. Johnston’s insights into the significance of Christ’s mission during Advent, maintaining a structured and engaging flow throughout.