The Purpose-Driven Messiah
What Jesus Came To Do In Mark's Gospel
“The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.” — Mark Twain
Twain’s poignant words capture a truth we all intuitively feel. Deep down, we know life is meant to be more than mere survival. There’s more to living than going to work, paying bills, buying groceries, and making ends meet. Life must be more than mindless routines and mundane responsibilities. Each of us feels a deeper longing to understand why we are here and to leave behind a lasting footprint when we bid this world farewell.
Tragically, most people don’t know where to look. Millions are grasping for meaning and fulfillment in all the wrong places. Some pursue success and achievement. Others try to discover purpose in relationships. Many believe life revolves around wealth and material comfort. Countless others chase meaning through pleasure, experiences, or personal image. While these pursuits can provide temporary comfort that numbs the ache for deeper purpose, they can never truly satisfy it.
One of the biggest lies our culture peddles is that we must “look within” to find purpose. But the truth is that we will only discover our purpose when we decide to look up. Wise Solomon once declared, “The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil.” (Ecclesiastes 12:13–14, ESV). A purposeful life is ultimately defined by fearing God, following His divine revelation, and preparing for the day of judgment. A life of purpose is not measured by discovering self—it’s all about discovering God.
Jesus Christ is the greatest example of living with purpose. From the very beginning of His life on earth, Jesus understood why He was here, and His life was marked by an unwavering commitment to fulfill the Father’s plan. Every word He spoke, every step He took, and every choice He made was bigger than Himself—it all flowed from a clear understanding of His mission. That’s one reason why studying His life is so enlightening. If we can learn what ambitions drove Jesus, we will be well on our way to living a life of meaning and purpose as well.
Using the book of Mark as our guide, let’s notice a few of the Lord’s purpose statements. Let’s allow Jesus Himself to tell us why He came to earth:
Jesus Came to Speak God’s Word
“And he said to them, ‘Let us go on to the next towns, that I may preach there also, for that is why I came out.’” (Mark 1:38, ESV)
Jesus Came to Save Sinners
“And when Jesus heard it, he said to them, ‘Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.’” (Mark 2:17, ESV)
Jesus Came to Serve Others
“And whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:44–45, ESV)
Jesus Came to Sacrifice
“For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45, ESV)
Jesus Came to Submit to the Father
“And he said, ‘Abba, Father, all things are possible for you. Remove this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.’” (Mark 14:36, ESV)
I challenge you to go back and study each of these statements in their contexts and uncover their deeper meaning in the life of Jesus. And as we look inward, we should each examine our lives, words, behaviors, and priorities to see whether these purpose statements can be said of us.
Ask yourself…
Am I looking for opportunities to share the message of God with others?
Am I personally involved in God’s work to save sinners?
Am I using my time, talents, and treasures to serve my fellow man?
Am I willing to sacrifice for the good of others?
Am I daily striving to submit my will to the will of the Father?
Let today be the day you discover why you are on this earth. Let today be the day you start living on purpose—like Jesus!