Bible Question:

Can you tell me who Jesus Christ was and what was His mission to the world?

Bible Answer:

The answer to your question will be divided into two parts.

Who Was Jesus?

First, Jesus was born sometime around 2-1 B.C. in the city of Bethlehem. Yet Jesus had existed long before He became a human being and lived among us because He existed as God in eternity past. Jesus was both God and man! The eyewitnesses at the time of Jesus understood and believed that Jesus was God.

Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God . . . [He] emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. (NASB) Philippians 2:5-8

Jesus was God. That is the starting point of any discussion about Jesus Christ. Jesus was God who took on the appearance of man. He was both God and a man. Ancient secular historians or nonreligious writers tell us that Jesus was a historical person and that He did miracles. One writer reported that Jesus died and returned to life. Those who lived at the time of Jesus had a better understanding of Him and His deeds than many of us who are living today. The Jewish leaders who talked with Jesus understood that Jesus claimed to be God.

The Jews picked up stones again to stone Him. Jesus answered them, “I showed you many good works from the Father; for which of them are you stoning Me?” The Jews answered Him, “For a good work we do not stone You, but for blasphemy; and because You, being a man, make Yourself out to be God.” (NASB) John 10:31-33

The Jewish leaders and those who followed Jesus understood that Jesus claimed to be God. Leaders, historians, and the people of the day saw His miracles and signs.

The gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John also tell us about key events in Jesus’ life. They describe His teachings and some of His miracles. The gospel of John was specifically written so that we might understand that Jesus performed miracles and as a result that we might believe in Him,

Therefore many other signs Jesus also performed in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name. (NASB) John 20:30-31

The four gospels in the Bible reveal different parts of Jesus’ life, including end of His life. That was according to His plan, but His physical body did not remain dead. He returned to life as one more proof that He was God.

. . . concerning His Son, who was born of a descendant of David according to the flesh, who was declared the Son of God with power by the resurrection from the dead, according to the Spirit of holiness, Jesus Christ our Lord, (NASB) Romans 1:3-4

He performed many signs and He returned to life. These are all proofs that He was more than just a man. He was God.

His Mission?

Jesus did not come to this earth to have a good time and checkout what was happening. He came to fulfill many promises that God had made. First, He was the Jewish Messiah. Jesus tells us this very directly.

The woman said to Him, “I know that Messiah is coming (He who is called Christ); when that One comes, He will declare all things to us.” Jesus said to her, “I who speak to you am He.” (NASB) John 4:25-26

He was the promised Messiah who was rejected when He was murdered on a cross.

Second, Jesus also came to earth to rescue every man and woman from an eternity of punishment. Therefore, He is called our Savior because He can save us from the penalty of our sins. But Jesus came to do more than forgive our sins and give us eternal life. He offers us a new life – an abundant life.

. . . I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly. (NASB) John 10:10

Jesus came to give us a wonderful eternal life and it starts here when we put our trust in Him.

Conclusion:

He is our God, the Jewish Messiah, and Savior from our sins. The following link provides a better explanation of Jesus’ mission, “Searching For God.” You will discover that God wants to forgive you. He wants you to understand that He loves you. He only asks that you believe that Jesus is your God and Savior. Jesus’ mission was to make it possible to rescue you. Now it is your turn. There is a study here at the site called, “Jesus Our Savior” which help answer more questions. There is also an ongoing study on the life and teachings of Jesus called, “The Life and Heart of Jesus.” In that series there is a study called, “Who Is Jesus?” which we would encourage you to read.