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The Man with a Mission

Luke 19:10 
For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.’ (NIVUK)

This verse sums up Jesus Christ, His life and death, ministry and mission.  He called Himself the 'Son of Man' for two reasons: firstly, because He was fully human as well as being fully God; secondly, 'Son of Man' was a Messianic title.  Daniel 7:13-14 says, ‘In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all nations and peoples of every language worshipped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.'  So, when Jesus used the title about Himself, no religious Jew would be in any doubt that He claimed to be the Messiah.
 
However, popularist views of 'Messiahship' assumed Him to be a freedom fighter (Luke 24:21); whereas His anointed task was to seek out and save people who were spiritually lost, away from Father God and without hope (Ephesians 2:12).  His salvation work was to save mankind from the wrath of God against their sins by bearing the punishment for their rebellion against God in His death on the cross (1 Peter 2:24).

Such people would not just be the poor or sick (Luke 18:35-43); Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1-7) was wealthy but spiritually lost and he knew that Jesus was his only hope of finding his place in God's kingdom.  The corrupt tax man was a Jew, but he still needed saving.  As he put his faith in Jesus and repented of his sin Jesus said, "Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham." (Luke 19:9).  The true 'sons of Abraham' are all those who trust in Jesus (John 8:31-41) and they include the Gentiles as well.
 
Jesus is still seeking lost people.  Many do not know that they are lost, and so the gospel-bearers must tell them.  Some know they are away from God but do not think they can ever come back because of their sins.  That is why Jesus died in place of sinners; so that the hopeless might have hope and the lost be found.  But how will anybody know of this wonderful message?  Only if somebody tells them (Romans 10:13-14)!  If you know the grace of God and have received His salvation, surely you hold such an important secret for peace with God and eternal life.  So, should you not share it? It could literally be lifesaving.  Why not show www.crosscheck.org.uk to a friend of colleague?

Prayer 
Gracious God, my Heavenly Father. How I thank You that Jesus came into the world to save sinners, and to seek them out to tell them what they need to do to find Your forgiveness. Please forgive me for hiding this light for so long and for being more concerned with what people think about me than what they think about Jesus. Please help me to be a person of courage, bold to speak out the truth of Your gospel and working with You so that the lost may be brought back home into Your family. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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© Dr Paul Adams