John 15:13 (KJV): “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”

ABSTRACT

Jesus’ mission reveals God’s boundless love, offering salvation, reconciliation, and adoption to humanity. Through His sacrificial life and death, He seeks and saves the lost, calling all to love God supremely and serve others selflessly, as supported by Scripture and Sr. White’s writings. This article explores these themes, emphasizing their universal relevance.

SAVIOR OF ALL MANKIND

Jesus’ mission shines as the cornerstone of salvation. John 3:16 declares, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” This truth reveals God’s love, providing eternal life through faith in Jesus. John 3:17 reinforces this: “For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.” Sr. White writes, “Christ was treated as we deserve, that we might be treated as He deserves” (The Desire of Ages, p. 25, 1898). Jesus bore sin’s penalty, fulfilling divine justice and granting believers righteousness. Supporting this, 1 Timothy 2:4 states, “Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth” (KJV). Additionally, Titus 2:11 affirms, “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men” (KJV). Sr. White further explains, “The plan of redemption was an expression of God’s love for man” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 17, 1900). She also notes, “Christ’s sacrifice was to bring to man the possibility of eternal life” (Selected Messages, Book 1, p. 323, 1958). This mission of salvation invites all to embrace God’s grace through faith. How does Jesus extend this mission to those who are lost?

SEEKING THE LOST SHEEP

Jesus’ mission reaches out to the wayward and lost. Luke 19:10 proclaims, “For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Sr. White elaborates, “The Saviour’s work is not finished until the lost sheep are brought back to the fold” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 190, 1900). This shows His relentless pursuit of sinners with grace. In Matthew 18:12-14, Jesus illustrates this: “How think ye? if a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray?” This parable underscores the value of each soul. Further, Ezekiel 34:16 declares, “I will seek that which was lost, and bring again that which was driven away, and will bind up that which was broken, and will strengthen that which was sick” (KJV). Luke 15:7 adds, “I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth” (KJV). Sr. White states, “Every soul is precious in God’s sight” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5, p. 623, 1889). She also writes, “Christ’s love is constantly seeking to save the perishing” (The Ministry of Healing, p. 162, 1905). Jesus’ pursuit of the lost reflects divine compassion for every individual. What does His sacrifice reveal about God’s love?

GOD’S BOUNDLESS LOVE REVEALED

Jesus’ mission unveils God’s infinite love for humanity. Isaiah 53:5 states, “But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.” This prophecy highlights redemption’s cost. Sr. White remarks, “With His stripes we are healed” (The Desire of Ages, p. 25, 1898), emphasizing Jesus’ suffering for humanity. 2 Corinthians 5:21 declares, “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him” (KJV). Romans 8:32 supports this: “He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?” (KJV). 1 John 4:9 adds, “In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him” (KJV). Sr. White explains, “The cross of Christ is the pledge of our fellowship with God” (The Acts of the Apostles, p. 561, 1911). She further notes, “God’s love is revealed in the gift of His Son” (Steps to Christ, p. 13, 1892). This sacrificial love calls believers to respond with faith and gratitude. How do we respond to this divine love with our lives?

Humanity owes God faith, obedience, and love. Deuteronomy 6:5 commands, “And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.” Sr. White underscores this: “Our first duty is to love God supremely” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 305, 1890). Accepting Christ’s righteousness is vital for salvation. Mark 12:31 commands, “Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” Sr. White expands, “True religion is expressed in acts of love and kindness to others” (The Ministry of Healing, p. 497, 1905). Further, Leviticus 19:18 states, “Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the Lord” (KJV). Matthew 5:16 adds, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (KJV). Sr. White writes, “Love to God and man is the Christian’s whole duty” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 2, p. 135, 1870). She also states, “The law of love is the foundation of God’s government” (Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, p. 109, 1896). Loving God and serving others reflect His transformative power. How does Jesus’ mission shape our eternal purpose?

MISSION OF ETERNAL PURPOSE

Jesus’ mission embodies God’s love and grace, offering salvation, reconciliation, and adoption as His children. His sacrifice calls believers to love God wholeheartedly and extend His love to others. As Sr. White concludes, “By His life and His death, Christ has achieved even more than recovery from the ruin wrought through sin” (The Desire of Ages, p. 25, 1898). John 15:13 summarizes this: “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends” (KJV). 1 Peter 2:9 supports this: “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light” (KJV). Ephesians 2:8-9 affirms, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast” (KJV). Sr. White writes, “Christ’s sacrifice is the foundation of our hope” (The Great Controversy, p. 674, 1888). She also notes, “The mission of Christ is to bring man back to God” (Education, p. 15, 1903). This mission inspires faith, gratitude, and service, reflecting God’s ultimate purpose for humanity.

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