Why Did Jesus Come As a Baby?

Recently, in one of our leader's meetings, a young man asked a very interesting question: Why did Jesus have to come to earth as a baby? Could He not have just come as a man?

In fact, many of the Jews of the first century wondered the same thing. You see, in their minds, their long-awaited Messiah would come as a military commander. He would have the wisdom of Solomon, the charisma of David, the godliness of Moses, and the military genius of Joshua all put together.

At that time, Israel was under Roman domination, and a military commander as Messiah would make more sense than a baby Messiah. After all, a baby cannot save a nation right? Also, angels in scripture had always appeared as full-grown men in the Old Testament. Why not come like that?

Reason#1

Jesus being born of a virgin confirmed His divinity. (Matthew 1:22)

Most of us know that Lord Jesus was born of Mary, a virgin. Hundreds of years ago, before the actual birth of our Lord, Isaiah, the prophet accurately prophesied that a virgin would give birth to the long-awaited Messiah.

Therefore, the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel. (Isaiah 7:14)

Reason#2

His coming in this manner also attested to His humanity

Unlike angels, Jesus did not just appear to be human. He was fully human! He did not come to save a nation, but He came to save us from sin. He was not just the Saviour of Israel but of the whole world.

Lord Jesus was 100 per cent man and 100 per cent God manifested in the flesh at the same time. The following verse makes this clear.

For this reason, He (Jesus) had to be made like them, fully human in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. (Hebrews 2:17)

In order to truly represent us as a man without sin, He couldn't have an unfair advantage. He had to be made like us (His brethren) in all things to make atonement for the sins of the people. Understanding this truth will make your Christmas even more meaningful.

Why Did Jesus Come As a Baby?

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