Jesus’ mission here on earth was simple, to seek and save the lost. Although the mission goal was simple, the mission he went on was multifaceted. The journey he took to get to the cross and resurrection was one that revealed so much more of who he was and who God is. On this 4 part journey, we are going to explore different aspects of the ministry of Jesus and see what we can learn for ourselves. Let’s start where every good story begins, the beginning. 

After Jesus was born and grew up, he started his ministry, as most scholars believe, in his early 30’s. John the Baptist came before Jesus telling the people that He was coming. “I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me comes one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry.” John realized that Jesus was the one told about through the prophets and that He was the Son of God. 

Jesus was coming to be baptized by John to initiate his ministry to the world. John says that he isn’t even worthy to carry Jesus’ shoes and yet here comes Jesus asking John to baptize the Son of God. It’s a twist of events for John. As soon as Jesus is baptized the Scripture record this, 

“As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” 

God’s own spirit comes upon Jesus and this is a very important scene. This story depicts a human being, being baptized, and God’s spirit descending on him, showing that He is now fully human and fully God. God then puts his stamp of approval on Jesus showing the world that He is truly the Son of God. Jesus has the spirit of God in him, and now he will be greatly tested. 

Jesus is then tested by Satan in the wilderness. Now we will see if he is able to withstand temptation. The devil tests Jesus on 3 basic truths: God provides, don’t test God, and only worship Yahweh. Jesus passes all three tests, never sinning in any of the situations. Jesus has now proved that He can stand against temptation and can help us with the same situations. Hebrews 2:18 says, “For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.” Jesus fasted for 40 days and nights. He was starving, exhausted, and probably felt awful. Yet, through all of that he did not sin when the devil tempted him with escape. Now Jesus is our way to salvation and we can stand up against sin and not let it overtake us.       

Jesus then goes around and calls disciples together to come and follow him. He chose 12 of the least significant people in the area for a purpose. He wanted everyone to know that He was for everyone. He didn’t come for the rich, or healthy. Jesus says, “For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners” (Matthew 9:13). He came for those who were lost and in need of a Savior and to save them (John 3:17). 

So we see that Jesus is baptized, tested, and calls his first disciple. From here his ministry will launch into the most revolutionary mission of all time. The mission: save the world.