In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.
Hebrews 1:1-3 NIV
Jesus is the Ultimate Messenger! The author of Hebrews reminds us that God sent numerous messengers, prophets who spoke for Him. But in these last days, God has spoken to us by His Son!
“I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me. Then suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come to his temple; the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, will come,” says the Lord Almighty.
Malachi 3:1 NIV
The primary focus of Jesus’ message was that the Kingdom of God had drawn near. He challenged the people to repent and believe the gospel. Through those that truly believed, Jesus would build His Kingdom – not an earthly one, but a spiritual Kingdom!
Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world.
John 18:36a
Jesus came to set captives free. At the beginning of His ministry, Jesus read from Isaiah in the synagogue about His mission. “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” His statement that the prophecy, this message, was fulfilled in their hearing.
But when the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, subject to the law. God sent him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that he could adopt us as his very own children.
Galatians 4:4-5 NLT
Last, Jesus taught us how to live. His message was one of holiness – that the expectation is that we will be holy even as He is holy. He was clear that love is of the first order – to love God with all our hearts, minds, souls, and strength and to love our neighbors as ourselves.
Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness,
Matthew 6:33
and all these things will be given to you as well.
Jesus is the ultimate messenger! As His image-bearers, His representatives, He has given us the message of reconciliation. Ours is both a privilege and responsibility to be His messengers!
Thank you, Father, for sending your Son as the Ultimate Messenger! Thank you that Jesus left heaven for us, to bring us the message of the gospel, to build Your Kingdom, and to teach us how to live. We need Your help – more than that we need YOU! Fill us with your presence in this busy Advent season. We desire to honor You in all we do. May your Spirit guide our thoughts and actions so that we reflect well your message as your image-bearers. Amen.
If you want to read more about being an image-bearer, check out this post, “In His Image, After His LIkeness.”
