Who is Jesus Christ and What is His Mission to the World
Today we will talk about who is Jesus Christ and what is His mission to the world. Many Christians do not know what this means. Understanding Jesus is fundamental to our faith, as He is central not only to Christianity but to the very essence of our relationship with God. Jesus is often seen as a teacher, a healer, and a friend, but He is also so much more. This journey of knowing Him will be enriched with insights from the Bible. So, be in a mode of meditation as we read through God’s word.
Who is Jesus Christ?
To understand who Jesus is, we need to begin with His name. In Hebrew, the name Jesus originates from the Hebrew name Yeshua which means “God is Salvation” (Exodus 34:6-7, Isaiah 43:11). This name holds significance because it foretells His purpose in the world. Jesus is known in the Gospels as the Son of God. In the New Testament, particularly the Greek term “Christos” translates to “the Anointed One” (Matthew 16:16, John 20:31). Thus, Jesus of Nazareth is both divine and human. He came into this world, lived a sinless life, performed miracles, and taught the importance of love, forgiveness, and faith.
Historically, Jesus was born in Bethlehem around 6-4 B.C. (Luke 2:1-7) during a time when the Jewish people were under Roman occupation. His life unfolded through a backdrop marked by anticipation of a Messiah. This expectation was derived from prophecies in the Old Testament, such as Isaiah 7:14 and Micah 5:2, referring to His virgin birth and place of birth, respectively. Jesus was a rabbi, a teacher, who gathered disciples and followers, emphasizing the arrival of the Kingdom of God (Mark 1:15), and He spoke to everyone, from the marginalized to the wealthy.
Jesus’ humanity is emphasized in various scripture verses, such as John 1:14, which states, “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us,” confirming that He was fully human. Even in His relationships, Jesus showed deep compassion and connection with His followers, as depicted in the moments of joy and sorrow shared with them. He experienced human emotions, from grief at the death of Lazarus (John 11:35) to joy in the company of friends (Matthew 26:30).
Furthermore, His mission was prophesied centuries before He was born, illustrated in Isaiah 61:1-3, where it is foretold that He would preach good news to the poor, heal the brokenhearted, and free the captives. Jesus fulfilled these prophecies during His earthly ministry, exemplifying His identity as the Messiah and showing that His mission is intertwined with the love of God for humanity.
What is His Mission to the World?
Now that we have a clearer view of who Jesus is, let’s channel our focus to what His mission is. The essence of Jesus’ mission can be summed up in John 3:16—”For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” This represents the very heart of why Jesus came—to offer salvation and reconciliation to humanity.
His mission involves delivering the message of God’s love, proclaiming the arrival of the Kingdom of Heaven, healing the sick, and even raising the dead (Matthew 10:7-8). In this sense, His mission is twofold: to save and to serve. Jesus actively engaged with the marginalized, the sinners, and the sick (Mark 2:17), showcasing that love transcends societal barriers and that His ministry is inclusive (Matthew 11:28-30). He constantly sought to uplift those who were downtrodden, painting a clear picture of divine grace in action.
Additionally, Jesus’ mission reflects the importance of teaching and guiding His followers. In the Great Commission found in Matthew 28:19-20, He instructed His disciples to go and make disciples of all nations. This instruction encourages us to spread His teachings and share the good news of the Gospel. Thus, we play an integral role in continuing His mission by being witnesses of His love and sharing it with others, echoing His call to reach every corner of the world (Acts 1:8).
Jesus’ mission also encompasses establishing a new covenant—in which faith, rather than works, defines a relationship with God (Ephesians 2:8-9). This new agreement was sealed through His sacrifice on the cross, a demonstration of His immense love for us. By laying down His life, He conquered sin and death, promising eternal life to those who accept Him (1 John 5:11-12). His resurrection is the cornerstone of this promise, confirming the victory over death and sin. This victory gives hope and assurance to all believers (Romans 6:4).
Furthermore, Jesus encourages a transformative relationship with Him that leads to a life of purpose and fulfillment. He stated in John 10:10, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” This promise of abundant life signifies that Jesus’ mission is not just about eternal life but about living a life of richness and meaning here on Earth. His teachings inspire us to embrace love, mercy, and kindness toward others (Galatians 5:22-23), reflecting the values of the Kingdom that He preached.
In understanding His mission, we also need to recognize how He exemplified servant leadership, washing the feet of His disciples (John 13:1-17). This act allows us to see that His calling invites us to serve one another, embodying humility and love in our actions. By doing so, we reflect Jesus’ mission to the world—serving, loving, and being agents of change in our communities.
Ultimately, the culmination of Jesus’ mission is seen in Revelation 21:4, where it is proclaimed that there will be no more death, mourning, crying, or pain. This future promise reassures us that Jesus came not only to transform lives in the present but also to offer hope for eternity. His mission, therefore, is about bridging the gap between God and humanity, restoring and renewing us into what God originally intended in creation.
Final Thoughts
In summary, Jesus Christ is not just a historical figure; He is the Son of God, the Anointed One, who came to bring salvation to the world. His mission is defined by love and compassion, and it involves healing the brokenness of humanity while offering us eternal life through His sacrifice. We are called, as His followers, to continue this mission by sharing His love, life, and teachings with others.
We can find immense joy in knowing that Jesus desires for us to live not only with hope for eternity but also with purpose in our daily lives. His messages of love, service, and sacrifice model how we should interact with the world around us. By embracing His teachings and reflecting His character, we can make a significant impact in our communities and beyond.
As we wrap up, let us remember that our understanding of who Jesus is directly influences how we live our lives. It’s a journey of growing closer to Him, sharing His mission, and reflecting His love to all people. Let’s strive to make a difference in the lives of those we come across as we walk this beautiful journey of faith together.
Further Reading
30 Bible Verses About Getting Closer To God (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Removing People From Your Life (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Israel (With Explanation)
30 Bible Verses About Being Lukewarm (With Explanation)
4 Ways to Encounter Grace and Truth: A Study on John, Chapter 4