CHRIST – GOD’S GREATEST GIFT TO HUMANITY
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: John 3:16
Key Verse: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)
Supporting Texts: Romans 6:23; Isaiah 9:6; 2 Corinthians 9:15; Luke 2:10-11; Hebrews 2:14-15
INTRODUCTION:
Gift-giving is a universal expression of love, value, and intention. However, no gift in human history compares to the gift of Jesus Christ, whom God gave freely to rescue humanity from sin, separation, and eternal loss. Christ is not merely a seasonal symbol but the eternal solution to mankind’s deepest need.
Humanity’s greatest problem was not poverty, ignorance, or oppression, but sin and separation from God. In His mercy, God did not send an idea, an angel, or a system; He gave His Son. Jesus embodies God’s compassion, sacrifice, and commitment to restoring fallen humanity.
This message unveils the depth, purpose, and power of Christ as God’s greatest gift, calling every believer to receive Him fully, walk in His redemption, and live as carriers of His light to the world.
1. CHRIST IS THE GIFT OF GOD’S LOVE
The coming of Christ is the clearest revelation of God’s unconditional and sacrificial love for humanity.
a) God initiated the gift through love (John 3:16). Salvation began with God’s love, not human effort.
b) Christ was given freely, not earned (Romans 5:8). God gave His Son while humanity was still in sin.
c) Love motivated redemption (1 John 4:9-10). Christ came to restore broken relationship with God.
d) Love crossed divine and human boundaries (Philippians 2:6-7). Jesus humbled Himself to save mankind.
Biblical Example: The Father sent the Son into the world not to condemn it, but that the world through Him might be saved (John 12:46-47).
2. CHRIST IS THE GIFT OF SALVATION
Jesus came to rescue humanity from sin, death, and eternal separation from God.
a) Christ delivers from sin (Matthew 1:21). His mission was clearly defined: to save His people.
b) Christ conquered death (Hebrews 2:14-15). Through His death, He destroyed the power of death.
c) Christ offers eternal life (Romans 6:23). Eternal life is God’s free gift through Jesus.
d) Christ reconciles humanity to God (2 Corinthians 5:18-19). Peace with God is restored through Christ.
Biblical Example: The thief on the cross received salvation instantly by believing in Christ (Luke 23:42-43).
3. CHRIST IS THE GIFT OF HOPE AND JOY
The birth of Christ introduced lasting hope and true joy into a broken world.
a) Christ brings good news to all people (Luke 2:10-11). His coming was announced as joy for everyone.
b) Christ gives hope beyond circumstances (1 Peter 1:3). Living hope flows from His resurrection.
c) Christ restores purpose to life (Jeremiah 29:11). Through Him, destiny is redefined.
d) Christ replaces despair with joy (Isaiah 61:3). He transforms mourning into gladness.
Biblical Example: The shepherds rejoiced and glorified God after encountering the newborn Christ (Luke 2:16-20).
4. CHRIST IS THE GIFT THAT MUST BE RECEIVED
A gift benefits only those who accept and respond to it.
a) Christ must be received by faith (John 1:12). Salvation becomes effective through belief.
b) Christ demands personal response (Revelation 3:20). He knocks and waits for acceptance.
c) Christ transforms those who receive Him (2 Corinthians 5:17). Old lives give way to new creation.
d) Christ commissions believers to share Him (Matthew 28:19-20). Recipients become messengers.
Biblical Example: Zacchaeus received Christ joyfully, and his life was radically transformed (Luke 19:5-9).
CONCLUSION:
Jesus Christ is God’s greatest gift to humanity: a gift of love, salvation, hope, and eternal life. Nothing humanity could ever give compares to what God has already given through His Son. In Christ, every spiritual need is fully supplied.
As you reflect on this truth, choose to receive Christ afresh, walk daily in His grace, and share this priceless gift with others. God’s greatest gift was given once, but it continues to transform lives forever.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Father, thank You for the priceless gift of Jesus Christ.
2. Lord, help me to fully appreciate Your love expressed through Christ.
3. Father, strengthen my faith in the finished work of Christ.
4. Lord, let the power of salvation work mightily in my life.
5. Father, fill my heart with joy and hope through Christ.
6. Lord, remove every barrier that hinders me from fully receiving You.
7. Father, help me to live a life that reflects Christ.
8. Lord, make me a vessel to share this gift with others.
9. Father, let my life glorify You continually.
10. Lord, keep me rooted in Christ until the end.
