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The Messiah’s Purpose and Person
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Arguably the fundamental assertion of the NT is that God sent the Messiah – Jesus Christ – into the world to save people from sin and its devastating consequences. For this mission, Jesus Christ was born of the Holy Spirit and became fully human – further assertions that are very significant to the Christian faith. In fulfilling the objectives of the mission, Jesus Christ lived a life which was faultless, with his character being both exemplary and inspiring. The following teaching shows the NT’s testimony to these crucial matters.
Jesus Christ’s Mission from God
God sent Jesus Christ into the world
[Jesus, to the Jews:] But I have a testimony greater than that from John. For the deeds that the Father has assigned me to complete – the deeds I am now doing – testify about me that the Father has sent me. John 5:36 NET
God sent Jesus Christ to take away sins
You know that Christ came to take away sins. 1 John 3:5a CEV
God sent Jesus Christ to save the world
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world should be saved through him. John 3:17 NET
Jesus came to bring truth
[Jesus:] For this reason I was born, and for this reason I came into the world – to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice. John 18:37b NET
Jesus came to enable us to know God
And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us insight to know him who is true, and we are in him who is true, in his Son Jesus Christ. 1 John 5:20a NET
Jesus Christ’s Humanity
Jesus Christ became a human being
By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and concerning sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, … Romans 8:3b NET
God sent Jesus Christ “in a human body like ours” (NLT).
Jesus was born – after being conceived through the Holy Spirit
Now the birth of Jesus Christ happened this way. While his mother Mary was engaged to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. … 22This all happened so that what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet would be fulfilled: 23“Look! The virgin will conceive and bear a son, and they will call him Emmanuel,” which means “God with us.” Matthew 1:18, 22-23 NET
Jesus was a descendant of David
Remember Jesus Christ, who was raised from death, who was a descendant of David, as is taught in the Good News I preach. 2 Timothy 2:8 GNT
Jesus’ humanity was vital to his mission to save people
Therefore, since the children share in flesh and blood, he [Jesus] likewise shared in their humanity, so that through death he could destroy the one who holds the power of death (that is, the devil), 15and set free those who were held in slavery all their lives by their fear of death. … 17Therefore he had to be made like his brothers and sisters in every respect, so that he could become a merciful and faithful high priest in things relating to God, to make atonement for the sins of the people. 18For since he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are tempted. Hebrews 2:14-15, 17-18 NET
Jesus needed to share in the humanity of God’s people and become like them so as to be identified with them, in a sense being one with them. As such he could die as a substitute and an offering for them. Partaking of their humanity would also be important for him in his ongoing role in helping God’s people, as indicated in v. 18 and possibly also in v. 17.
Jesus Christ’s Personality
See also:
Jesus was loving
[Jesus, to his disciples:] Just as the Father has loved me, I have also loved you; remain in my love. John 15:9 NET
Jesus was compassionate
When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were bewildered and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Matthew 9:36 NET
Jesus was gentle and humble
[Jesus:] Take my yoke on you and learn from me, because I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Matthew 11:29 NET
Jesus was righteous
For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, … 1 Peter 3:18a ESV
Epilogue: God Works through Jesus Christ
See also:
God works in all eras through Jesus Christ, impacting all things everywhere
But now in these last days God has spoken to us through his Son. God has chosen his Son to own all things, and through him he made the world. Hebrews 1:2 NCV™
Through the Son, then, God decided to bring the whole universe back to himself. God made peace through his Son’s blood on the cross and so brought back to himself all things, both on earth and in heaven. Colossians 1:20 GNT
God fulfills his promises through Jesus Christ
For all God’s promises are “Yes” in him. 2 Corinthians 1:20a ISV
All God’s promises are confirmed or “fulfilled” (NLT) in Jesus Christ.