The Mind of the Master by Robert E. Coleman

Author:Robert E. Coleman [Coleman, Robert E.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Destiny Image, Inc.

For this cause came I into the world.

John 18:37

5

His Way of the Cross

Jesus’ knowledge of the Gospel included far more than understanding man’s need; He realized what was required of His own life to make the Gospel a reality. To probe what this means brings us into the very heartbeat of our Lord’s ministry.

Sent to Redeem

Jesus lived under a mandate from God. Again and again He emphasized: “I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me” (John 6:38); “I have not come on my own; but he sent me” (John 8:42 NIV).1 This was His daily fare, as He said: “My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work” (John 4:34; cf. 3:34; 6:57; 7:16; 12:49; 17:18, 26).

The assignment was the redemption of mankind. To use His words, “For I did not come to judge the world, but to save it” (John 12:47 NIV; cf. 3:17). This was the purpose for His physical existence—the reason He threw off the robes of glory, and clothed Himself with our flesh. He knew that the Son of Man was come to seek and to save the lost (Luke 19:10; cf. Ezk 34:11–16).

Illustrative of this self-consciousness, Jesus referred to Himself as a shepherd going after wandering sheep (Luke 15:4; cf. Mark 14:27; Matt. 26:31; John 10:1–18); and the door of the sheepfold through which all who will be saved must enter (John 10:9). To the sin-sick soul, He is the healing physician (Matt. 9:12; Mark 2:17; Luke 5:31); to those walking in darkness, He is the light of men (John 1:4; 8:12; 9:5; 12:35, 46); to multitudes starving for spiritual food, He is the living bread (John 6:50–58); to a world languishing in despair, He is the bringer of good tidings (Matt. 11:5; Luke 3:18; 4:18, 43; 7:22; 8:1; 9:6; 16:16; 20:1).

One of the most graphic descriptions of His mission is the parable of the great supper, where the master of the house sent his servant out to announce that the feast was ready. When those first invited made excuses, the servant was sent to the streets and forgotten places where people live, seeking by every possible means of persuasion to bring them in (Luke 14:15–24; cf. Matt. 22:1–14). Such was the feeling in the heart of Jesus. He shared that compulsion to see God’s table filled, and like the faithful servant, went forth to do the works of God “as long as it is day,” for “night is coming, when no one can work” (John 9:4 NIV).

Emptying Himself

With this purpose always before Him, Jesus subordinated His natural human desires to the higher calling of God. This was a working day for Him. Anything which did not contribute to the salvation of men had no place in His life. He was not here to receive the plaudits of men; rather He came to minister, and to give His life as a ransom for others (Matt. 20:28; Mark 10:45).

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