In the beginning, God called forth the earth from the void, and He capped this feat with His masterpiece, man. Created in God’s own image, man was meant to fellowship with God, walking and talking with Him in the garden of Eden.

However, Adam, the first man, disobeyed God and lost his right to remain in the presence of a perfect and sinless God. Man’s fall resulted in his banishment from the garden, and the introduction of death in the world. Having an eternal spirit, this meant that man would die and suffer forever in hell.

But God, though a God of perfect justice, is also a God of love. And He had foreseen that man would fall. In His goodness and mercy, God devised a plan to redeem man and restore him to fellowship with Himself. In His plan, God would send His Son, Jesus Christ, to earth as a substitute for man. Born as a man Himself, Jesus would suffer and pay the price for man’s sin.

Long before Jesus was born, the prophet Isaiah had spoken about His coming:

Isaiah 9:6–7
For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, to order it and establish it with judgment and justice from that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.

Jesus lived a sinless and perfect life for the 33 years that He was on earth. At the age of 30, He began His ministry, preaching, teaching, healing and touching the hearts and lives of people everywhere He went.

Luke 7:11–15 tells of the story of a widow whose only son had just died. Having previously lost her husband, the loss of her son not only added to her emotional trauma, but also left her without any means of financial support. Jesus heard her crying as He was passing by. Moved with compassion, He did not wait to be asked but went forward, raised the dead man from his funeral bier and returned him to his mother.

From this incident, as in many others, we not only see Jesus’ power and authority as the Son of God, but also His tender compassion and love for humanity. Perfect in all aspects, Jesus bridged the gap by becoming the God-Man: Completely divine, yet also completely human, the King of kings, yet Servant of all, our almighty God and Saviour is touched by and understands our infirmities and weaknesses.