It's all about Jesus: His mission!

“Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: ‘Sovereign, Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.’ The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him.”-Luke 2:28-33.

From the moment Jesus took his first breath here on earth, his life was defined by a divine mission. It wasn’t a cause he chose to adopt, or something he grew into as he matured, but rather it was a mission he was born to accomplish.

The very first inclination of his mission was announced just eight days after his birth:

“On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise him, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before had been conceived.”-Luke 2:21.

According to Leviticus 12:3 every male child was to be circumcised on the eighth day in keeping with the Law of Moses. Jesus, in keeping with the Law, was circumcised on the eighth day marking him as a true son of Israel. During this ceremony, the name of the child is given. Joseph at this time would have pronounced the child’s name to be Jesus. The name Jesus means “The Lord is Salvation.” It was the name given to them by the angel Gabriel identifying Jesus as being the one who would save the people from their sins; his name itself bearing witness to his divine mission.

Approximately a month later, after the days of purification had ended, Joseph and Mary traveled to Jerusalem to present Jesus to the Lord in keeping with the Law of Moses which commands that every first born male be consecrated to the Lord. It is while they are at the Temple presenting their sacrifices that they have an encounter with a prophet named Simeon. Simeon, upon seeing the child, confirmed Jesus’ mission when he declared:

“For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.”-Luke 2:30-32.

Simeon identified Jesus as the Messiah that would bring salvation to Jews and Gentiles alike. Even in infancy, Jesus’s mission was clearly evidenced. Scripture tells us that “he grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon him.” 

Later in Luke 2:41-47 we are introduced to Jesus again at the age of 12 years old. He has come with Joseph and Mary to Jerusalem to celebrate Passover. When the feast was over, while his parents were returning home, unbeknown to his parents; the boy Jesus stayed behind. Upon realizing he was not in their company, Joseph and Mary returned to Jerusalem to find Jesus in the temple courts sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions.

Jesus’ parents, astonished to find him there, asked in Luke 2:48: “Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you.” Jesus’ response in Luke 2:49 is telling:

“Why did you seek me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?”

It is uncertain when Jesus became conscious of his mission, but we know that by 12 years old he understood who his Father was and what his mission was on earth. Later, when Jesus was grown he would clearly articulate the reason for his coming:

“For the Son of Man has come to seek and save that which was lost.”-Luke 19:10.

This may be the most important thing that you ever learn about Jesus. Jesus was sent to save you! If you have never received Jesus as your Lord and Savior perhaps today you will put your faith in Him.