2354 Jesus Christ, mission of

The work that Jesus Christ was sent to do, including both his healing and preaching ministry, but particularly his work of salvation. Jesus Christ sends Christians to continue his work by proclaiming his message of salvation.

Jesus Christ was called to his mission from the beginning of time

Isa 49:1 See also Mic 5:2; 1Pe 1:20

Jesus’mission as Messiah was foretold

His mission to help and heal the poor Isa 61:1-3 See also Isa 11:3-5; Isa 32:3-4; Isa 35:5-6; Isa 42:3,7

His mission to rule and establish the kingdom of God Isa 9:6-7 See also Ge 49:10; Ps 132:11; Jer 23:5-6; Da 2:44

His mission to establish justice and peace Isa 11:4-5 See also Isa 2:4; Isa 9:4-7; Isa 42:4

His mission to suffer and die Isa 53:3-10 See also Isa 50:6; Isa 52:14; Da 9:26; Mk 8:31; Lk 24:26-27; Ac 8:32-35

His mission was fulfilled in humility and poverty Zec 9:9 See also Isa 42:2-3; Isa 49:7

His mission was for all nations Isa 49:6 See also Isa 11:10; Isa 42:1-6; Isa 55:4-5

Aspects of Jesus Christ’s mission

Preaching and teaching Lk 4:43 pp Mk 1:38 See also Mt 4:17; Mt 5:2; Mk 1:21; Jn 8:2; Jn 18:37

Sacrificial service Mt 20:28 pp Mk 10:45 See also Lk 22:27; Jn 13:13-16; Php 2:7

Healing Mt 4:23 A healing ministry was one of the signs of the expected Messiah. See also Mt 14:14; Mk 1:34; Lk 4:40; Lk 5:15; Jn 9:4-7

Judgment Jn 9:39 Jesus Christ does not come to condemn, but the response people make to him is the ultimate criterion of judgment. Those truly seeking God turn to faith in Jesus Christ; unbelievers, by their rejection of him, are confirmed in their unbelief. See also Lk 12:49; Jn 3:17-18; Jn 5:22; Jn 8:10-11,26; Jn 12:47-48

Criteria for the direction of Jesus Christ’s mission

Obedience to his Father’s will Jn 6:38 See also Mt 26:39 pp Mk 14:36 pp Lk 22:42; Jn 4:34; Jn 14:31; Jn 18:11

The fulfilment of the Law and the Prophets Mt 5:17 See also Mt 13:35; Mt 26:54; Lk 4:18-21; Lk 18:31; Ro 3:21

Jesus Christ’s saving death is the supreme aspect and focus of his mission

Jesus Christ came to save and to give life Jn 10:10 See also Mt 1:21; Lk 19:10; Jn 3:17; 1Ti 1:15; 2Ti 1:10

Jesus Christ came to suffer and to die Mt 16:21 pp Mk 8:31 pp Lk 9:22 See also Mt 20:28 pp Mk 10:45; Jn 12:27; Ro 3:24-25; Col 1:20; 1Jn 4:10

Jesus Christ was aware of the personal cost of his mission Lk 12:50 See also Mt 26:38-39 pp Mk 14:34-36 pp Lk 22:42

The mission of Jesus Christ continues today

Jesus Christ’s own work continues Heb 7:24-25 See also Ro 8:34; Ro 15:18; 2Co 4:10-11; Heb 6:20; Heb 9:12,14; Heb 13:21

Christians are called to share in Jesus Christ’s mission Jn 20:21 See also Mt 28:19-20; Mk 16:15; Jn 14:12

See also