Jesus speaks about His purpose in several instances throughout the New Testament. Here are some key statements made by Jesus regarding His purpose:
- Luke 19:10: “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” Jesus expresses His purpose as the mission to seek out and save those who are lost in sin and separated from God.
- Mark 10:45: “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” Jesus states that His purpose includes serving others and offering His life as a ransom to bring redemption and salvation to many.
- John 10:10: “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” Jesus contrasts Himself with the thief (representing evil) and declares that His purpose is to give people abundant and fulfilling life.
- John 18:37: “For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world—to bear witness to the truth.” Jesus affirms that He was born and came into the world to bear witness to the truth, emphasizing His role as the embodiment of truth and the revealer of God’s purposes.
- Matthew 20:28: “Even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” Jesus reiterates His purpose of selfless service and sacrifice, highlighting His willingness to give His life as a ransom for many.
- John 12:46: “I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in Me may not remain in darkness.” Jesus identifies Himself as the light that has come into the world, offering deliverance from spiritual darkness through faith in Him.
These statements illustrate that Jesus’ purpose involved seeking and saving the lost, serving others, offering His life as a ransom, revealing the truth, bringing abundant life, and being the light that dispels darkness. His ultimate purpose was to reconcile humanity to God and provide salvation through His sacrificial death and resurrection.
