For this purpose I have come to this hour.

John 12:27

Many people create a “bucket list” of things they want to do, places they plan to visit and skills they hope to learn before they die. Jesus our Lord did not develop a list of his own. He was born with that list already established from eternity and foretold by the prophets.

Jesus’ list did not state what he wanted to do before he died. The holy Child of Bethlehem was born to die, to offer himself as a sacrifice for the sins of the world. Even his name reveals his saving purpose: “You shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21). Jesus came to give himself for us. Now serving him is at the top of our lists!

Carol Geisler
Orange, CA

Jesus my Savior, guide me to opportunities to serve others in your name. Amen.

Reflect: Rejoice in Jesus’ saving purpose!

Read: Matthew 1:18-25 and John 12:27-32