Title: Jesus had a clear purpose in life
The process of the public life of Jesus Christ (1)
(Jesus had a clear purpose in life)
Text/ Mark 1:1-11, 10:45, Matthew 20:28, John 10:10.
1. Introduction
The period from February 13 (Wednesday), 2002 to March 30 (Sat), the day before Easter, is called Lent in the church calendar. Lent is a period of deep meditation on Jesus’ 40-day fast, prayer, trials, suffering, and death on the cross in the wilderness. During Lent, in the sense of participating in the sufferings of Jesus, it is desirable to refrain from eating, clothing, talking, entertainment, and entertainment, and to lead a life of silence and prayer, godliness and temperance.
Therefore, during the six weeks of this Lent period, we would like to share grace while deeply reflecting on how the trajectory of Jesus' public life has unfolded centered on the 4 Gospels (especially the Gospel of Mark).
2. What was the purpose of Jesus coming to this earth?
God is not a God of chaos, but a God of order (cosmos). This world was not created in vain, meaningless. It has a clear purpose and a direction. Jesus, the Son of God, who came to this earth after the Word became flesh, came for no reason, just because he came. It had a clear purpose and direction. Jesus said:
<I came not to be served, but to serve, and to give my life a ransom for many. Mark 10:45/Matthew 20:28. As we go to other nearby villages, we will preach there too, for this I have come. For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16).
We can clearly see the purpose of Jesus' coming to this earth here. I didn't come to this world to play. It didn't come by chance. I didn't come here to be treated. The purpose of my coming into this world is, "I came to give my life to give eternal life to those who believe in me." Here, <eternal life> is not only eternal life after death. I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me will live even if they die, and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. John 11:25.
The purpose of Jesus was to call heaven and earth as witnesses and proclaimed that He came to give me and you <eternal life>, that is, <the kingdom of God>.
3. Jesus made his purpose clear
Jesus set the purpose of his public life so clearly. I made it clear that I came to give my life to the people of this world as a ransom so that they might gain eternal life. He said, "I came to die of myself, that I might live forever" (John 10:17-18).
People, especially those closest to him, Mary the mother of Jesus, his relatives, and his most beloved disciples tried to change the purpose of Jesus. He told me not to sacrifice my life. He said that there are many ways that one can do without dying. Sometimes by love, sometimes by logic, sometimes by violence, they tried to change the course of Jesus' purpose.
In response, Jesus resisted the temptations of these people, sometimes with parables, sometimes with prayer, and sometimes with fiery reproof. And he wept, agonized, bled, and walked toward the goal that stretched only through the narrow road, and he finally accomplished that goal. Thus, you and I can enjoy the eternal life He has given us.
4. What is the purpose of my life?
The modern age is the age of self-reliance, the age of self-realization. In times like these, the most important thing is to set a clear purpose for your life. Many people put off the fundamental and extremely simple question of life, <What will I live for?> on the excuse of being busy. “I have a lot of work to do right now, and I’m busy making a living. When will I have time to worry about such things? When I get older and have more time, it’s not too late to think about it then!” There are many people who do.
Such thinking is an illusion. How can you not establish a purpose in life? How do you live your life in a haphazard way while procrastinating on fundamental issues?. Are you trying to figure out your purpose in life after you've spent most of your life? Look at Jesus, who set the purpose for which he should go before he began his public ministry. We believe that, first of all, we must deeply meditate on, uphold, and follow this image of Jesus.
5. Closing Story
Jesus did not buy randomly. He lived with purpose, direction, and order. If a person clearly sets his life purpose and direction, he can be unswayed by any adversity. A new determination arises. Amazing wisdom springs up. You will see lava-like abilities erupt from within you. May you receive the precious blessing of setting the purpose and direction of your life right this time.
Weekly <Fountain of the Word>