The Messiah’s Mission Begins

Jesus came to show the world who God is, and the Gospels tell His incredible story. In Luke 4:18-19, He stood in a synagogue and read from Isaiah 61:1-2: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me… to preach the gospel to the poor.” Jesus said this promise was coming true right then—through Him! He was on a mission to bring hope to the broken, heal the sick, and share God’s love with everyone. The Old Testament had said the Messiah would be a light in dark places (Isaiah 9:1-2), and Matthew 4:15-16 tells us Jesus started His ministry in Galilee, a place many Jews looked down on. But that’s where Jesus chose to shine, showing God’s love doesn’t care about where you’re from.

A Prophet Like Moses
The Old Testament promised a prophet like Moses would come (Deuteronomy 18:15). Jesus showed He was that prophet in amazing ways. In Luke 7:16, after raising a widow’s son from the dead, the crowd said, “A great prophet has arisen among us!” Jesus did things only God could do—like healing the blind and lame, just as Isaiah 35:5-6 said the Messiah would (Luke 7:21-22). He fed 5,000 people with just a few loaves and fish (Luke 9:12-17), reminding people of how Moses fed the Israelites with manna. But Jesus was more than a prophet—He was God’s Son, showing everyone what God’s kingdom looks like through His love and power.

Teaching God’s Kingdom
Jesus taught in a way that made people stop and listen. Psalm 78:2 said the Messiah would “open His mouth in parables,” and Matthew 13:34-35 tells us Jesus did just that. He told stories about farmers, lost sheep, and hidden treasure to show what God’s kingdom is like (Luke 15:3-7). These parables weren’t just stories—they were invitations to see the world differently. Jesus wanted everyone to understand God’s love and forgiveness, even people who felt far away, like tax collectors and sinners (Luke 15:1-2). His teachings challenged the religious leaders, who often cared more about rules than people. Jesus showed that God’s kingdom is about mercy, not judgment.

Miracles of Mercy
Jesus’ miracles proved He was the Messiah. Isaiah 53:4 said the Messiah would “bear our griefs,” and Matthew 8:16-17 shows Jesus fulfilling this by healing many people. In Luke 7:21-22, He gave sight to the blind, made the lame walk, and even raised the dead (Luke 7:11-15). These acts weren’t just to show off—every miracle showed God’s love for people who were hurting. When Jesus calmed a storm (Luke 8:22-25), His disciples were amazed, saying, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey Him?” Jesus’ power over nature, sickness, and death showed He was more than a man—He was God in human form.

A Humble King Arrives
The Old Testament said the Messiah would come as a humble king. Zechariah 9:9 promised, “Your king comes to you… humble, and mounted on a donkey.” Luke 19:35-38 tells how Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey, with crowds shouting, “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord!” People waved palm branches, celebrating Jesus as their King. But Jesus wasn’t the kind of king they expected—He didn’t come to fight the Romans or take over with an army. Instead, He came to serve and give His life (Mark 10:45). This moment showed Jesus’ true kingship, rooted in love and humility.

Preparing for the Cross
Jesus knew His mission would lead to the cross. The Old Testament hinted at this—Psalm 110:4 called the Messiah a “priest forever,” and in Luke 22:69, Jesus said He would be “seated at the right hand of the power of God.” This showed His divine authority, even as He faced death. On the cross, Exodus 12:46 said the Passover lamb’s bones shouldn’t be broken, and John 19:36 tells us this came true for Jesus—His bones weren’t broken, even when the soldiers broke the others’ legs. Jesus’ death wasn’t the end—it was the start of something new, fulfilling God’s plan to save the world.

A Mission for All Nations
Jesus didn’t just come to save a few people—His mission was for the whole world. Isaiah 49:6 said the Messiah would be “a light of the nations,” and Luke 24:47 shows Jesus telling His disciples, “Repentance for forgiveness of sins will be proclaimed in His name to all the nations.” He taught them about His return as the Son of Man (Luke 21:27), fulfilling Daniel 7:13-14, showing His kingdom would last forever. Jesus spent 40 days after His resurrection teaching His disciples (Luke 24:44-49), getting them ready to share His message. His life, teachings, and miracles were the foundation for the church’s mission in Acts—to tell everyone about God’s love.