The Mission of God in the Birth of Jesus

The mission of God is to redeem a people from every tribe, tongue, and nation for the praise of His glory. Through the prophet Isaiah, God clearly states to Jacob, and Israel, and people from every nation that He will redeem them for His glory.

“Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine…everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.” –Isaiah 43:1, 7

God’s Mission Hinted at in Genesis

We see the first glimpse of God’s mission in the Garden of Eden. Adam and Eve had already sinned against God, and in the midst of God’s judgment of Satan, God promises to one day send One who will be born of woman and who will destroy Satan.

“I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel." -Genesis 3:15

God’s Mission Announced through Abraham

The first clear announcement of God’s mission is found in the story of Abraham. In Genesis 12 God calls Abraham and tells him that “all the families of the earth shall be blessed” (v3) through him. In Genesis 15 we learn that it is through Abraham’s offspring that God will carry out His mission.

And he brought him outside and said, “Look toward heaven, and number the stars, if you are able to number them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your offspring be.” And he believed the Lord, and he counted it to him as righteousness. -Genesis 15:5-6

God’s Mission Clarified through Isaiah

Through the Prophet Isaiah, God gives us a clear picture of the One who will descend from Eve, and Abraham, and King David. He tells us that He will send a Son who will have the authority and power of God and who will rule with the justice and righteousness of God.

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. -Isaiah 9:6-7

God’s Mission Inaugurated with the Birth of Jesus

The promised son is Jesus Christ. The birth of Jesus inaugurates God’s mission to redeem a people from every ethnicity. When Joseph and Mary bring Jesus to the temple, Simeon helps us see that through Jesus God will redeem both Jews and Gentiles.

“Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.” -Luke 2:29-32

God’s Mission Accomplished on the Cross

God’s mission was accomplished when this promised son, Jesus, died as a substitute for sinners. It was on the cross that Jesus bore the wrath that we deserved for our sins against God. It is through the death of Jesus that God redeemed a people for His very own. The apostle Paul tells us that,

In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace… -Ephesians 1:7

God’s Mission Continues through the Church

The church exists to continue the mission of God. It is through the church that God announces that forgiveness of sins, reconciliation with God, and an eternal fellowship with God can be found in Jesus Christ.

For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” But how are they to call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent?…So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. -Romans 10:13-15, 17

CrossWay exists to spread a passion for Jesus Christ. We exist to announce the good news of a Savior born on Christmas day. We exist to continue to announce the mission of God in redeeming a people from every tribe, tongue, and nation for the glory of God.