The mission of Jesus Christ, as depicted in the New Testament, is a central theme that encompasses His life, death, resurrection, and the establishment of His Church. Understanding our role in this divine mission involves recognizing the responsibilities and privileges bestowed upon believers as followers of Christ.

The Great Commission

One of the clearest articulations of our role in Jesus' mission is found in the Great Commission. In Matthew 28:18-20 , Jesus commands His disciples: "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." This passage underscores the call to evangelism and discipleship, emphasizing the global scope of the mission and the promise of Christ's presence.

Ambassadors for Christ

The Apostle Paul further elaborates on the believer's role in 2 Corinthians 5:20 : "Therefore we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making His appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ: Be reconciled to God." As ambassadors, Christians are representatives of Christ, tasked with the ministry of reconciliation, urging others to be reconciled to God through Jesus.

The Body of Christ

The metaphor of the Church as the Body of Christ highlights the diverse roles believers play in Jesus' mission. In 1 Corinthians 12:27 , Paul writes, "Now you are the body of Christ, and each of you is a member of it." This imagery conveys the idea that each believer has unique gifts and functions, contributing to the mission's fulfillment through service, teaching, hospitality, and other spiritual gifts.

Witnesses to the Ends of the Earth

In Acts 1:8 , Jesus tells His disciples, "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." The empowerment by the Holy Spirit is crucial for believers to effectively bear witness to Christ's life and message, extending the mission beyond cultural and geographical boundaries.

Living as Salt and Light

Jesus' teaching in the Sermon on the Mount further clarifies the believer's role in His mission. In Matthew 5:13-16 , He declares, "You are the salt of the earth... You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden." Believers are called to influence the world positively, preserving moral values and illuminating truth through their actions and words.

Participation in Suffering

Participation in Jesus' mission also involves sharing in His sufferings. In Philippians 1:29 , Paul states, "For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for Him." This aspect of the mission calls for perseverance and faithfulness, even in the face of persecution or hardship, as a testament to the transformative power of the Gospel.

Conclusion

The role of believers in Jesus' mission is multifaceted, encompassing evangelism, discipleship, representation, service, and perseverance. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, Christians are called to actively participate in the ongoing work of Christ, advancing His kingdom and glorifying God through their lives.