A missionary is someone who is sent on a mission. They have a job to do, a purpose to fulfil, a plan to follow, a goal to complete. This usually involves leaving comfort and routine in order to do something important. See Philippians 2:6-8; John 3:16-17; 5:16-24; 7:16-18; 8:23-29; 10:27-30.

Here are five mission statements that describe the work of Jesus Christ when He came to earth.

He was sent from God. I John 4:14 (KJV)

"And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Savior of the world."

Though equal with God, Jesus, the Son of God submitted Himself to the Father. He took on a human body and fulfilled the Father's will on earth.

See John 6:38; 13:1-5; Philippians 2:6-8; Hebrews 10:5-14.

He was sent to save us from our sins. I John 1:7 (KJV)

"But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanses us from all sin."

We were without hope, sinners in a sinful world, deserving God's punishment. But God had compassion and sent His Son to not only receive the punishment for our sins, but also to change us by giving us the Spirit of His Son through the new birth.

See Galatians 1:3-5; 4:4-6; Titus 3:5-7; Ephesians 2:8-18 cp. II Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 2:20.

He was sent to smash Satan's power. I John 3:8b (KJV)

"…For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil."

The name "Satan" means "Enemy." He has been our adversary since the time Adam and Eve were in the garden. He has used everything in this world to try and tempt us and lead us in rebellion against God. Main areas of attack are fear, lust, and pride. When Christ rose from the dead, he defeated Satan's plan. Those who receive Christ into their heart and mind through the gospel have power over the influence of the Devil ("the accuser").

See John 8:42-44; Colossians 1:12-14; Ephesians 2:1-7; Acts 26:15-18; II Timothy 2:24-26; Hebrews 2:14-15; James 4:6-7; I John 2:15-17 (cp. John 6:28-29); I John 4:4-6; Revelation 12:9-12.

He was sent to show us the truth. John 18:37 (NKJV)

"…For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice."

One of Jesus Christ's titles is "The Word of God." He is the essence of all God's wisdom and truth. His word is also the power of God. He speaks with all authority. When we receive His Word, we have God working in us and through us.

See John 1:1-3,14,17; 8:30-32; 14:6; 17:6-8,14,17-21; Matthew 7:28-29; 28:18-20; Romans 1:16; Colossians 2:2-3; 3:16; Revelation 1:5; 19:13.

He was sent to show us God's Love. I John 3:16a (KJV)

"Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us…"

Love must be communicated and shared. It cannot be static or stagnant. "God is love" (I John 4:7-8,16). The Father had to communicate and share His love. We are able to know and understand God's love by what Jesus Christ has done and is yet doing. Receiving God's love not only enables us to love God, but also to love others, especially the family God.

See John 3:16-17; Romans 5:8; John 1:14,16; 14:9,21,23; 13:1,34-35; 15:9-13,17-19; 16:25-29; 17:21-23; I John 3:1.14-19; 4:7-21 cp. II Corinthians 8:9.

Conclusion:

Jesus Christ came as a missionary to serve God's purpose. That purpose was to deliver sinners from the penalty and power of sin, causing them to become like His Son (Ephesians 4:17-24; Philippians 3:8-10; Romans 8:28-29; II Corinthians 3:18). Have you received this free gift?

See Romans 3:20-24; 10:9-13; Acts 3:19; Ephesians 2:8-10.

One day the followers of Christ will also be delivered from the presence of sin (New bodies, No Devil, New Heaven, New Earth - Philippians 3:20-21; Revelation 20:10; 21:1-5). In the meantime, Jesus Christ has given His followers a mission. We are now sent into this world to seek the salvation of others by our example and by preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ.

See John 20:21; Luke 24:44-48; Matthew 28:18-20; Philippians 1:20-21; 2:5,14-16; 3:10,12,14; 4:13; Galatians 2:20; Romans 1:14-17; I Corinthians 10:31-33; II Timothy 2:1-10.