The Mission of Christ

Chuck Northrop

Most people recognize Jesus Christ to be the greatest man to have ever walked upon the earth. Tragically, however, millions of people do not know His purpose in coming to this world though it is clearly revealed within the pages of the Bible.

When considering any mission, there are certain components. So it is with the mission of Christ. There must be one sent to a place. In this case, Christ Jesus was sent into this world (John 1:14; 1 Timothy 1:15). There must also be a sender. Jesus said the Father sent Him (John 4:34; 5:36; 6:38). And, there must be a purpose, a charge, an assignment. What purpose or mission did Christ serve?

Christ’s Mission Was to Save. While Joseph contemplated his marriage with Mary, an angel came to him in a dream and proclaimed, “she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21). Later in His ministry, Jesus said, “For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost” (Matthew 18:11). John, the apostle, wrote, “he was manifested to take away our sins” (1 John 3:5).

Christ’s Mission Was to Minister. Jesus said, “Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:28). Jesus ministers by giving His life (1 Peter 1:18-19), by providing abundant life (John 10:10), and by being a merciful and faithful high priest (Hebrews 2:17). The greatest man was a servant. Let us follow His example.

Christ’s Mission Was to Preach. Jesus told His disciples, “Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also: for therefore came I forth” (Mark 1:38). During His lifetime, Jesus revealed His testament through His preaching which has been revealed to us though His apostles (Hebrews 9:16,17; John 14:26; Ephesians 3:5).

Christ’s Mission Was to Judge. “And Jesus said, For judgment I am come into this world, that they which see not might see; and that they which see might be made blind” (John 9:39). While some accept the teachings of Jesus, others reject them and judge themselves unworthy of everlasting life (Acts13:46). As a lawgiver, Christ’s words judge (John 12:48).

Christ’s Mission Was to Destroy the Works of the Devil. John wrote, “...For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil” (1 John 3:8). Jesus destroys sin and the punishment of sin, both of which are the works of Satan.

Christ’s Mission Was to Fulfill the Law. Jesus said, “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). He fulfilled the law by keeping it perfectly (Hebrews 5:8-9), by completing its purpose (Hebrews 10:9,10), and by carrying out the penalty of sin (Hebrews 7:27).

Christ’s Mission Was to Establish His Kingdom. Jesus answered Pilate, “Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world...” (John 18:37). Jesus’ kingdom (church) was established on the day of Pentecost in AD 30, and He currently reigns in heaven over His church/kingdom (Acts 2:29-35; Colossians 1:13).

When Jesus came into the world, He had a mission. He did not aimlessly wander through life. His mission affects each one of us. We cannot just sit back and say what a wonderful mission. His mission ought to move us to fulfill our own mission to “Fear God, and keep his commandments” (Ecclesiastes 12:13).