What is your mission, and how can you complete it?
What is your mission in life? Understanding your assignment gives you direction and focus. In today’s world, many organizations have a mission statement, an explanation of what they strive to do, and how they measure success. What is your mission—what has God called you to do? How can you complete it?
Jesus’ Mission
In today’s Bible reading, Jesus and his disciples are at Jacob’s well in Samaria. Being hungry, his disciples go into the town of Sychar to buy some food. When they return, they are surprised that Jesus is talking to a Samaritan woman (Jews have no dealings with Samaritans).
They urge Jesus to eat the food they brought back with them. He refuses, saying, “I have food to eat that you know nothing about….My food [meaning purpose] is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work” (John 4:32,34, NIV).
And, what is the will of God and the works Jesus is to finish? To the Samaritan woman, Jesus offers living water, eternal spiritual life to satisfy her thirsty soul. The Samaritans were considered half-breed Jews and were hated, but God loves all people. He stays with them for two days. Jesus loves all of us and offers eternal spiritual life to quench our thirsty souls.
Sometimes Jesus’ daily ministry is not explicitly stated—it is illustrated. After the incident with the Samaritan woman, Jesus compares a soon-coming agricultural harvest with a spiritual harvest. In this passage, he not only implies he is reaping but tells the disciples it is their opportunity to help. The prophets, including John the Baptist, have sown the spiritual seed from God’s Word. The disciples can now reap it. Jesus’ daily ministry is the sowing, nurturing, and harvesting of souls. What about us? Are we helping him?
Now is the time for spiritual reaping in Jesus’ ministry. After John the Baptist is put into prison, Jesus goes back to the area of the Lake of Galilee, proclaiming the good news of salvation from all our sins. “The time has come,” he declares. “The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!” (Mark 1:14-15, NIV).
Have we done this? In deep remorse, have we confessed our wrongdoings (sins), turned away from them (repented), and trusted in the Lord’s sacrifice for us? (more…).
Or, are we still on the fence of indecision? Do we watch Jesus from afar or gather with others who are “religious,” remaining uncommitted, and trying to conceal our identity? This is the day of salvation! Let’s repent and believe!
Jesus’ mission is clearly defined after he returns to Nazareth, his hometown.
On the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. He stood up to read and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written: “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him, and he began by saying to them, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing” (Luke 4:16a-21 NIV).
Although his audience is startled and amazed, this passage of Scripture specifically explains Jesus’ mission here on earth. Jesus will restore sight and release many people from physical illness, insanity, and even death. However, he is also sent to preach the good news of salvation and forgiveness to those who are poor and oppressed in their spirits. He urges them to repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near (Matthew 4:17).
Although we can’t heal or raise the dead, we Christians can still minister to the sick, grieving, or those otherwise oppressed in their bodies or spirits. We can also tell them the gospel’s message to heal their souls and give them spiritual life.
Satanic opposition to Jesus’ mission and ours
Satan (the devil) tries to hinder the accomplishment of Jesus’ assignment. He attempts to make the ministry of Christ look like it is authenticated by demons. Christ knows this association with demons is harmful and misleading, so he casts these evil spirits out of people and sends them away, commanding them to be quiet. Jesus wants people to know him as they see his good works and listen to his teaching. His identity will soon be known, but not by the testimony of demons.
Satan does not want us to accomplish godly missions. He will try to trip us up or divert our attention, so we get nothing done. He may hinder us by appealing to our pride, bringing us to rely upon early successes, or giving us early recognition for our accomplishments.
<p”>Everyone likes to be recognized, but early recognition can keep us from fulfilling our mission and losing focus. We must work diligently and stay focused until our tasks are complete. Rewards come to those who are faithful in the assignments God gives us, so let us keep our focus on glorifying God in our words and our deeds.
Discussion
What was Jesus’ mission here on earth?
How is the mission of Jesus’ followers similar to that of Jesus? How is it different?
Why might the devil try to keep us from our mission, and how can we keep from getting off track?
Focus Verses
Hebrews 12:2a (NIV) “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.”
Hebrews 13:16 (NIV) “And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”
Here is a video of Jesus casting our demons
Write a private prayer response to today’s Bible study:
Please send your comments to me, Rodney Harrier
Looking Ahead: Besides the challenge of Jesus keeping focused on his mission is the challenge of religion. When is it essential to change, and when is it is vital to keep traditions? Find out in our Next Lesson.
If you liked this Bible lesson, you might also like Satan’s influence; should we be concerned?
How can we receive God’s help in challenging times? Here are 4 simple steps
