But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship. Galatians 4:4-5 NIV
The plan for Jesus to come to earth was not casual or a new idea because “things had gotten in bad shape around here,” as some have expressed it. When God’s original plan was marred by sin, way back in the Garden of Eden, God promised there would be a Messiah, a rescuer who would one day come and crush Satan and sin. Several thousand years passed with no Messiah. Why did God wait so long to send Jesus? He waited until the time was exactly right.
The world was finally ready. Humanity had been scattered and seemed hopelessly diverse until the conquests of Alexander the Great spread Greek (Koine) across the Mediterranean, meaning the Gospel could now be shared in a widely understood language. There was a clear global connection because the Roman Empire built secure roads and maintained relative peace (the Pax Romana), making travel and communication safer for early missionaries like Paul, Thomas, and Philip. Because of the exiles recorded in the Old Testament, varied conquests, and mistreatment of the Jews, they scattered and lived in various place throughout the empire, This provided a ready-made foundation and familiarity with the idea of one God (monotheism) and Scriptural prophecies.
Humanity had conclusively proven the need for a Savior. Centuries of life under the Mosaic Law confirmed that humanity could not earn righteousness on its own. This set the stage for grace through faith. The long wait demonstrated that throughout all human history no political, religious, or societal system was able to fix humanity's spiritual brokenness without a Savior.
And so, God waited for the exact right moment in human history. When the right time came, God sent His Son born of a woman and born under the law. He did this to redeem or buy back those under the law, so we could become His sons and daughters. Jesus split history in two! Everything in the past pointed forward to Him. Everything now and in the future looks back to His sacrificial death and resurrection. Jesus is the turning point of all history!
People lived under strict rules before Jesus arrived, laws that only showed people their failures and guilt. Jesus came under those same laws so we could be free. He not only saved us from our sins, He brought us into His own family. We are loved and embraced by the Creator of the Universe, our own Father. We are no longer slaves to fear or death, but cherished children. When the time was perfect, Jesus came and everything changed!
- God’s clock keeps perfect time. When He seems late, we will discover He was right on time.