Dictionary of Bible Themes: 2354 Jesus Christ, mission of

2354 Jesus Christ, mission of

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Dictionary of Bible Themes » 2000 Jesus Christ » 2300 Jesus Christ, ministry and work of » 2303 Jesus Christ, as creator » 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

Isaiah 49:1 See also Micah 5:2; 1 Peter 1:20

Jesus' mission as Messiah was foretold

His mission to help and heal the poor

Isaiah 61:1-3 See also Isaiah 11:3-5; Isaiah 32:3-4; Isaiah 35:5-6; Isaiah 42:3,7

His mission to rule and establish the kingdom of God

Isaiah 9:6-7 See also Genesis 49:10; Psalm 132:11; Jeremiah 23:5-6; Daniel 2:44

His mission to establish justice and peace

Isaiah 11:4-5 See also Isaiah 2:4; Isaiah 9:4-7; Isaiah 42:4

His mission to suffer and die

Isaiah 53:3-10 See also Isaiah 50:6; Isaiah 52:14; Daniel 9:26; Mark 8:31; Luke 24:26-27; Acts 8:32-35

His mission was fulfilled in humility and poverty

Zechariah 9:9 See also Isaiah 42:2-3; Isaiah 49:7

His mission was for all nations

Isaiah 49:6 See also Isaiah 11:10; Isaiah 42:1-6; Isaiah 55:4-5

Aspects of Jesus Christ's mission

Preaching and teaching

Luke 4:43 pp Mark 1:38 See also Matthew 4:17; Matthew 5:2; Mark 1:21; John 8:2; John 18:37

Sacrificial service

Matthew 20:28 pp Mark 10:45 See also Luke 22:27; John 13:13-16; Philippians 2:7

Healing

Matthew 4:23 A healing ministry was one of the signs of the expected Messiah. See also Matthew 14:14; Mark 1:34; Luke 4:40; Luke 5:15; John 9:4-7

Judgment

John 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 Luke 12:49; John 3:17-18; John 5:22; John 8:10-11,26; John 12:47-48

Criteria for the direction of Jesus Christ's mission

Obedience to his Father's will

The fulfilment of the Law and the Prophets

Matthew 5:17 See also Matthew 13:35; Matthew 26:54; Luke 4:18-21; Luke 18:31; Romans 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

Jesus Christ came to suffer and to die

Matthew 16:21 pp Mark 8:31 pp Luke 9:22 See also Matthew 20:28 pp Mark 10:45; John 12:27; Romans 3:24-25; Colossians 1:20; 1 John 4:10

Jesus Christ was aware of the personal cost of his mission

The mission of Jesus Christ continues today

Jesus Christ's own work continues

Hebrews 7:24-25 See also Romans 8:34; Romans 15:18; 2 Corinthians 4:10-11; Hebrews 6:20; Hebrews 9:12,14; Hebrews 13:21

Christians are called to share in Jesus Christ's mission