Sabbath: Jesus the Master of Missions
Read for This Week’s Study: 2 Tim. 1:8-9; Isa. 42:1-9; Dan. 9:24-27; Luke 2:8-14; Matt. 10:5-6; Acts 1:1-14.
Memory Text: Again Jesus said,
(John 20:21 NIV).Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you
Image © Lars Justinen Goosalt.com
According to Scripture, a core activity of the Trinity is mission. Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are involved in saving humanity. Their Word began at the Fall and continues through until the end. Father, Son, and Holy Spirit will then restore this redeemed world to full unity with the divine will.
According to the Gospels, Jesus underwent the radical change into human form necessary for His mission to succeed. In Jesus Christ, the meaning of history comes into focus, the total mission activity of God becomes coherent, and the deepest needs of humans for meaningful existence are fulfilled.
In the New Testament, we are made acquainted with the purposes of the incarnation of Jesus Christ. We find here how He outlines the program for mission, and we get glimpses of how Jesus met people from other nations, people of other faiths. In the Word of God, we can see the incredible saving activity of God on behalf of fallen humanity.
Study this week’s lesson to prepare for Sabbath, August 15.
(24)
Jesus’ mission to the Earth was multi-purpose, and certainly included revealing the character of the Father (John 14:7-11), providing an example of lawful living for mankind and reclaiming the territory which was seized by an enemy (Matthew 13:28). However the primary purpose was the salvation of the human race (1 Timothy 1:15).
Although an important element in the great controversy between Christ and Satan God’s character is fixed (Hebrews 13:8). It is created beings’ view of God that needs adjustment. In other words there is a question about Jehovah’s reputation. This was settled at the cross for those who are willing to see the light (John 3:16).
Yet even among those who claim to know God’s character best there is difficulty in providing credible explanations for some of the actions of the Son of God in the Old and New Testament (1 Samuel 15:2, 3). As well the Savior is observed using fear to get the attention of some (Jonah 1:15-17).
The extent of bloodshed in scripture is more than some will bear. This presents a challenge for any who has a skewed view of love, as something which is always nice. There is a definite risk that one may get a wrong perception of Jehovah, that the divine reputation takes a blow.
Still the Savior knowingly does what He has to do to restore the Universe and save the lost. This is an act of love (selflessness) that the Redeemer puts His own reputation on the line to fix the character of those who left to themselves would have no interest in holy restoration.
God is selfless and the concern about His reputation is really about making those saved and already safe comfortable living with Him for eternity. He would first and foremost save us, but He also wants us to be happy, and to know it pays to serve Jesus.
The greatest missionary was Jesus Christ our Saviour. The spotless lamb of God who, without hesitation took the form of sin, moving out of His comfort zone (so to speak) just to save a lost and dying world. He did all of this knowing that He would be rejected and suffer a horrible death. Still He came to earth to save me. Thank you Jesus for the choice you made.
We as humans beings can't comprehend love in its true sense, we may have an idea when we're father's and mother's, yes?
I can imagine how the disciples were filled with uncertainty after Jesus's death. "Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut, where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you" (John 20:19).
Doing God's mission can be fearful and challenging, your life can be at stake!! Why did Jesus reiterate "Peace be unto you"? In the absence of heavenly peace, we aren't equipped to do God's mission. God's peace discards fear and uncertainty.
We are chosen and called by him who made us to go and be fishermen of the lost sheep. How i pray that we can spread the word unto all the Nations, Tribes e.t.c May God use me as his vessel to preach the good news.
God came so long ago, yes way before 2000, years ago it was over 6000,through the manuscript profits thank you lord for your Will Ephesian 2:15 not saying your word is not perfect but to make a change for us to you...this shows me so much in me to look on positive ways of Christ Jesus