The Mission of Jesus Christ and Why It Matters for Us Today
The Mission of Jesus Christ and Why It Matters for Us Today
Understanding the Divine Purpose That Changes Everything
"For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost." - Luke 19:10
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. This Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth. The mission of Jesus Christ stands as the most important event in human history, transcending time, culture, and circumstance. His purpose was not merely to teach moral lessons or perform miracles—it was to accomplish the greatest rescue operation ever conceived: the redemption of humanity from sin and death.
Today, nearly two thousand years after His earthly ministry, the mission of Jesus Christ remains profoundly relevant. In a world filled with confusion, pain, and searching hearts, understanding why Jesus came and what He accomplished provides the foundation for true hope, purpose, and eternal life. His mission was not a failure; it was a triumphant victory that continues to transform lives today.
The Divine Mission Declared in Scripture
The Bible reveals the mission of Jesus Christ with crystal clarity. From Genesis to Revelation, the scriptures point to His coming, His purpose, and His ultimate victory. Jesus Himself declared His mission multiple times throughout His earthly ministry, leaving no doubt about why He came.
To Bring Salvation to the Lost
Jesus came with one primary purpose: to save souls from eternal destruction. "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). This verse encapsulates the heart of God's redemptive plan—that no one need perish, but all might have access to eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ.
The mission of salvation was announced from the very beginning. After Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden, God promised that the seed of the woman would bruise the serpent's head (Genesis 3:15). This first messianic prophecy pointed forward to Jesus, who would ultimately defeat Satan and destroy the works of the devil. "For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil" (1 John 3:8).
Throughout the Old Testament, prophets spoke of the coming Messiah who would save His people from their sins. Isaiah prophesied: "All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all" (Isaiah 53:6). This prophecy found its fulfillment when Jesus bore our sins on the cross at Calvary.
To Reveal the Father's Love
Jesus came not only to save but to reveal the true nature of God. "No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him" (John 1:18). Through His life, teachings, and actions, Jesus showed us what God is like—His compassion, His holiness, His justice, and His unfailing love.
When Philip asked Jesus to show them the Father, Jesus replied: "Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father" (John 14:9). Jesus perfectly represented the Father in every word and deed. His healing of the sick demonstrated God's compassion. His confrontation of religious hypocrisy revealed God's hatred of sin. His willingness to die for sinners displayed God's incomprehensible love.
The Scope of Christ's Mission
The mission of Jesus Christ was comprehensive, addressing every aspect of humanity's need. He came to accomplish what no other religious leader, prophet, or teacher could accomplish—the complete reconciliation of humanity to God.
To Fulfill the Law and the Prophets
"Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil" (Matthew 5:17). Jesus perfectly fulfilled every requirement of God's holy law. Where humanity failed, Jesus succeeded. He lived a sinless life, keeping every commandment perfectly, thereby qualifying as the spotless Lamb of God who could take away the sin of the world.
The Old Testament contained over 300 prophecies about the coming Messiah, and Jesus fulfilled every single one. He was born of a virgin in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2; Matthew 1:18-23). He was of the lineage of David (2 Samuel 7:12-13; Luke 1:32-33). He entered Jerusalem on a donkey (Zechariah 9:9; Matthew 21:1-9). He was betrayed for thirty pieces of silver (Zechariah 11:12; Matthew 26:14-15). He was pierced for our transgressions (Zechariah 12:10; John 19:34). He rose from the dead (Psalm 16:10; Acts 2:31-32).
These fulfilled prophecies prove beyond doubt that Jesus is the promised Messiah. No other person in history could claim such credentials. The mathematical probability of one person fulfilling even eight of these prophecies by chance has been calculated at 1 in 100 quadrillion. Jesus fulfilled all of them.
To Destroy the Works of Death
Death entered the world through sin, and all of humanity fell under its curse. But Jesus came to destroy death's power. "Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil" (Hebrews 2:14). Through His resurrection, Jesus conquered death and opened the way to eternal life.
The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the cornerstone of Christian faith. Paul wrote: "And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins" (1 Corinthians 15:17). But Christ has indeed been raised! He appeared to over 500 witnesses after His resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:6), providing undeniable proof that He conquered death. Because He lives, we too shall live.
Death no longer has the final word for those who are in Christ Jesus. "O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Corinthians 15:55-57). This victory is not just future hope—it is present reality for every believer.
Jesus Proclaimed His Mission Clearly
Jesus left no confusion about why He came. Throughout His ministry, He explicitly stated His purpose, ensuring that all who heard Him would understand His divine mission.
To Serve and Give His Life as a Ransom
"For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many" (Mark 10:45). Jesus came as a servant, not demanding service but giving Himself completely. The word "ransom" indicates a price paid to free captives. Humanity was enslaved to sin, and Jesus paid the ultimate price—His own blood—to set us free.
In the synagogue at Nazareth, Jesus read from the prophet Isaiah and declared: "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, to preach the acceptable year of the Lord" (Luke 4:18-19). Then He boldly announced: "This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears" (Luke 4:21).
This declaration reveals the comprehensive nature of Christ's mission. He came to bring good news to the spiritually poor, healing to the emotionally broken, freedom to those enslaved by sin, sight to the spiritually blind, and liberty to all who are oppressed by the enemy. His mission addressed every human need—spiritual, emotional, physical, and social.
To Give Abundant Life
"I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly" (John 10:10). Jesus did not come to impose burdensome rules or rob us of joy. He came to give life—not mere existence, but abundant, overflowing, meaningful life. This life begins the moment we trust in Him and continues throughout eternity.
The abundant life Jesus offers stands in stark contrast to the thief who comes only to steal, kill, and destroy. Satan seeks to rob us of peace, kill our hope, and destroy our future. But Jesus offers something infinitely better—a life filled with purpose, joy, peace, and eternal security. "These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full" (John 15:11).
The Cross: The Climax of Christ's Mission
Every aspect of Jesus' mission pointed toward Calvary. From the moment He entered the world, His path led to the cross. This was not an accident or tragedy—it was the predetermined plan of God for the salvation of the world.
Jesus knew He would die. He prophesied His death multiple times: "From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day" (Matthew 16:21). He did not go to the cross as a victim but as a willing sacrifice.
The Voluntary Sacrifice
"Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again" (John 10:17-18). Jesus chose to die. He could have called twelve legions of angels to rescue Him (Matthew 26:53), but He willingly submitted to crucifixion for our sake.
On the cross, Jesus bore the full weight of humanity's sin. Isaiah prophesied: "He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed" (Isaiah 53:5). Every stripe on His back, every thorn in His crown, every nail in His hands represented God's judgment against sin—judgment that should have fallen on us but fell instead on Jesus.
The cross demonstrates both the justice and mercy of God. God's justice required that sin be punished. His holiness cannot overlook or ignore transgression. But His mercy provided a substitute—His own Son—to bear that punishment in our place. "But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8).
When Jesus cried out "It is finished" (John 19:30), He was declaring that the work of redemption was complete. The debt of sin was paid in full. The sacrifice was accepted. The way to God was opened. The veil in the temple was torn from top to bottom, symbolizing that access to God's presence was now available to all who come through Jesus Christ.
Why Christ's Mission Matters Today
The mission of Jesus Christ is not merely historical—it is eternally relevant. What He accomplished 2,000 years ago continues to impact lives today and will continue throughout eternity.
It Provides the Only Way to Salvation
In a world of many religions and philosophies, Jesus stands alone as the only way to God. He declared: "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me" (John 14:6). This is not narrow-mindedness or intolerance—it is truth. Peter proclaimed: "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved" (Acts 4:12).
Every other religious system is based on human effort—trying to earn favor with God through good works, rituals, or moral living. But Christianity is based on divine grace. We cannot save ourselves. Our best efforts fall infinitely short of God's perfect standard. But Jesus did for us what we could never do for ourselves. "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast" (Ephesians 2:8-9).
This truth matters today because people are still searching for meaning, purpose, and peace. They try to fill the God-shaped void in their hearts with relationships, success, pleasure, or possessions. But nothing satisfies except Jesus. He alone can forgive sin, transform hearts, and grant eternal life.
It Gives Purpose to Our Lives
Understanding Christ's mission helps us understand our own. Jesus said: "As my Father hath sent me, even so send I you" (John 20:21). We are now ambassadors for Christ, called to continue His mission of reconciliation. "Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God" (2 Corinthians 5:20).
This gives profound purpose to our existence. We are not here by accident. We are not merely taking up space. We have a divine calling—to share the good news of Jesus Christ with others, to make disciples of all nations, to be salt and light in a dark world. "Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid" (Matthew 5:14).
Every believer has been entrusted with the ministry of reconciliation. We have experienced God's transforming grace, and now we are called to share it with others. This is not just for pastors or missionaries—it is for every follower of Jesus Christ. Your testimony, your life, your words can point others to the Savior.
It Offers Hope in Suffering
Christ's mission included suffering, and He promised that His followers would also face trials. But He also promised to be with us through every difficulty. "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world" (John 16:33). Because Jesus conquered sin, death, and Satan, we can face any challenge with confidence.
When we suffer, we can remember that Jesus understands. "For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin" (Hebrews 4:15). He walked through pain, rejection, betrayal, and death—and He emerged victorious. His victory becomes our victory.
How to Respond to Christ's Mission
Understanding Jesus' mission demands a response. We cannot remain neutral. Either we accept His sacrifice and follow Him, or we reject Him and face eternity without Him. There is no middle ground.
Believe in Jesus Christ
The first step is belief. "But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name" (John 1:12). This is not mere intellectual agreement—it is trusting Jesus completely for your salvation. It means acknowledging that you are a sinner in need of a Savior and placing your faith in Christ's finished work on the cross.
Salvation is not achieved through baptism, church membership, good works, or religious rituals. It comes through faith alone in Christ alone. "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved" (Romans 10:13). Have you called upon Him? Have you trusted Jesus as your Lord and Savior?
If not, today is the day of salvation. Do not delay. "Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation" (2 Corinthians 6:2). Confess your sins, ask Jesus to forgive you, and surrender your life to Him. He promises: "Him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out" (John 6:37).
Follow Jesus Wholeheartedly
Belief must lead to obedience. Jesus said: "If ye love me, keep my commandments" (John 14:15). Following Jesus means surrendering your will to His, denying yourself daily, taking up your cross, and walking in His footsteps. "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me" (Luke 9:23).
This is not a part-time commitment or casual interest. Jesus calls us to total devotion. He must be Lord of every area of our lives—our relationships, finances, career, time, and priorities. "And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him" (Colossians 3:17).
Following Jesus also means joining with other believers in the local church. We are not meant to walk this journey alone. "Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching" (Hebrews 10:25). The church is God's plan for discipleship, accountability, encouragement, and service.
Your Mission Awaits
The mission of Jesus Christ was accomplished perfectly. He came, He lived, He died, He rose, and He conquered. Now that mission continues through His followers—through you. Will you embrace His mission? Will you accept His salvation? Will you follow Him wholeheartedly? The choice is yours, but eternity hangs in the balance.
Jesus came to seek and save the lost. He found you. He loved you. He died for you. Now He calls you to believe in Him, follow Him, and join Him in His mission of redemption. This is not just information to know—it is truth that demands a response. What will your response be?
The mission of Jesus Christ matters today because souls still need saving, hearts still need healing, and lives still need transforming. May we never forget why He came, what He accomplished, and what He calls us to do. To God be the glory, both now and forever. Amen.