He Came to Save Us [John 12:47] Promise

Introduction

Family, sometimes people see God as only a judge with a gavel, ready to punish. But here in John 12:47, Jesus clears it up. He says, “I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world.”

That’s Good News! Advent is about a promise: God sent Jesus not to condemn us, but to rescue us.

When the world was dark, He promised light.

When sin was heavy, He promised salvation.

When hope was broken, He promised restoration.

Somebody shout: “He came to save us!”

Point 1: The Promise is Compassionate

Jesus says, “I did not come to judge the world…” That’s compassion! He looked at a world full of sin and brokenness and didn’t come with a hammer, but with healing.

Illustration: A doctor doesn’t walk into the hospital to condemn the sick. He comes to heal. Jesus is the Great Physician who came not to shame us but to save us.

Church, Advent is not God pointing fingers at our failures—it’s God extending His hand of mercy.

Application:

To our young people: God doesn’t hate you when you stumble. His promise is compassion—He loves you enough to lift you.

To our elders: Sometimes we’re hardest on ourselves. But God’s promise says, “I didn’t come to condemn you.”

Call and Response: Turn to your neighbor and say: “The promise is compassion!”

Point 2: The Promise is Complete

Jesus says He came “to save the world.” Not just the Jews, not just the rich, not just the powerful. The whole world!

Illustration: Back in the day, when Big Mama made Sunday dinner, she didn’t just cook for herself—she made enough for everybody. Salvation in Christ is like that—there’s room at the table for you, for me, for all of us.

His Advent promise isn’t partial—it’s complete. He saves body, mind, and soul.

Application:

Black history reminds us: even when systems tried to lock us out, God’s promise always let us in.

The gospel is big enough for every tribe, tongue, and nation. Nobody is left out of God’s promise.

Call and Response: Somebody shout: “The promise is complete!”

Point 3: The Promise is Certain

Jesus didn’t say, “I came to try to save.” He said, “I came to save the world.” That’s certainty. What He promised, He will perform.

Illustration: Children know when their parents make a promise, they’re going to hold them to it. If Mama said, “We’re going to McDonald’s after church,” you better believe those kids won’t let her forget. If earthly parents keep promises, how much more will our Heavenly Father keep His?

Advent reminds us that every prophecy, every promise of God is “Yes and Amen” in Jesus Christ.

Application:

Young folks: You can build your future on God’s promise.

Middle-aged folks: You can trust Him even in transition.

Elders: You can rest, knowing God has never failed and never will.

Call and Response: Shout with me: “The promise is certain!”

Celebratory Close

Church, Advent is the season of promise!

The promise is compassionate—He didn’t come to condemn.

The promise is complete—He came to save the whole world.

The promise is certain—what He said, He will do!

And we know the story didn’t end in Bethlehem. He came down through forty-two generations. He healed the sick, raised the dead, opened blind eyes. He carried a cross up Calvary’s hill. They nailed His hands, they pierced His side. He died, but that wasn’t the end of the promise.

Because early Sunday morning—He kept His word! He got up with all power in His hands.

Call and Response Celebration:

If you believe His promise is compassionate—say yes!

If you believe His promise is complete—say yes!

If you know His promise is certain—give Him a shout of praise!

Because Jesus came not to condemn you, but to save you! That’s the Advent Promise!

Now open up your mouth and give God the praise—because He came to save us!