The mission of Jesus Christ, as depicted in the New Testament, is characterized by a dual nature that encompasses both His divine purpose and His human experience. This duality is central to understanding the full scope of His work on earth and His role in the salvation of humanity.

Divine Purpose

From a divine perspective, Jesus' mission was to fulfill the will of God the Father and to bring about the redemption of mankind. This is evident in several key passages that highlight His pre-existence and divine authority. In John 1:1-14, Jesus is described as the Word who was with God and was God, and who became flesh to dwell among us. This passage underscores His divine origin and purpose in coming to earth.

Jesus Himself articulated His divine mission in Luke 19:10, stating, "For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost." This mission of salvation is further emphasized in John 3:16-17, where it is written, "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him."

The divine nature of Jesus' mission is also reflected in His authority over sin and death. In Matthew 28:18, Jesus declares, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me." This authority is demonstrated through His miracles, His teachings, and ultimately, His resurrection, which confirms His victory over death and His role as the Savior.

Human Experience

While Jesus' mission was divine in purpose, it was also deeply rooted in His human experience. The incarnation, as described in Philippians 2:6-8, reveals that Jesus, "being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness." This passage highlights the humility and humanity of Jesus, who fully participated in the human condition.

Throughout the Gospels, Jesus is portrayed as experiencing the full range of human emotions and challenges. He felt compassion (Matthew 9:36), wept (John 11:35), and experienced anguish (Luke 22:44). These experiences allowed Him to empathize with humanity and serve as a perfect mediator between God and man, as noted in Hebrews 4:15: "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who was tempted in every way that we are, yet was without sin."

Jesus' human experience also included His role as a teacher and a model of righteous living. In the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7), He provided ethical teachings that continue to guide Christian conduct. His life of service, sacrifice, and obedience to the Father serves as an example for believers to follow.

The Intersection of Divine and Human

The dual nature of Jesus' mission is most profoundly expressed in the crucifixion and resurrection. In His death, Jesus fulfilled the divine plan of atonement, bearing the sins of the world as the perfect sacrifice (1 Peter 2:24). Simultaneously, His suffering and death were real human experiences, marked by physical pain and emotional distress.

The resurrection, as recorded in Matthew 28:5-6, "He is not here; He has risen, just as He said," signifies the triumph of His divine mission and the hope of eternal life for all who believe. It is the culmination of both His divine authority and His human obedience, demonstrating the power of God and the fulfillment of His redemptive plan.

In summary, the dual nature of Jesus' mission is a profound mystery that encompasses His divine purpose to save humanity and His genuine human experience. This duality is essential for understanding the person and work of Jesus Christ as both fully God and fully man.