The verses from Hebrews 10:5-7 highlight Jesus’ first words at Christmastime, in which he expresses a willingness to do God’s will. Jeremiah J. Johnston, a scholar and pastor, explains that this conversation between Jesus and God at His incarnation is crucial in understanding the significance of Jesus’ mission on Earth. During a time of religious and political exhaustion, with a burdensome system of rules and regulations, Jesus came to fulfill God’s will on behalf of humanity. This was a time when the Roman Empire had a high rate of slavery and the average life expectancy was just 20 years, showing the dire circumstances in which people were living.
Johnston emphasizes that true peace was achieved not through religious rituals or political power, but because Jesus followed God’s will. Jesus’ sacrifice, unlike the sacrifices of the Old Testament, was voluntary and wholehearted, showing his commitment to fulfilling God’s eternal will. This demonstrates that what God desires is inward faithfulness rather than outward performance. Jesus consistently upheld the fulfillment of God’s Word, from His first words to His final moments before death, showing a deep commitment to Scripture and God’s plan for redemption.
As people prepare to celebrate the birth of God’s son, Johnston encourages reflecting on the deeper meaning of Jesus’ words and actions. He emphasizes that true worship involves heartfelt obedience, not hollow traditions, something that Jesus exemplified through his sacrificial death, burial, and resurrection. During the last week of Advent and into Christmas, Johnston urges individuals to follow Jesus’ example by offering their lives in sincere devotion to God, magnifying His love and peace through their actions, and relying on Him for guidance and strength.
Overall, Johnston highlights the importance of Jesus’ mission on Earth, emphasizing that his obedience to God’s will was essential for achieving true peace and redemption for humanity. By focusing on the deeper meaning of Jesus’ words and actions, individuals can strive for heartfelt obedience and devotion to God, following Jesus’ example and relying on His atoning help for salvation. This message serves as a reminder of the true essence of Christmas and the significance of Jesus’ sacrifice in fulfilling God’s eternal will for the redemption of humanity.
