You may not think about goals this weekend, and that is okay. Easter is a time to celebrate Christ’s resurrection. Jesus lived his life so that he could die and rise from the dead. His mission and goal, for his whole life, was to die on the cross in order to redeem us from our sin. His death is not the end of the story. 3 days later, Jesus rises from the grave to conquer death. His goal is complete, and we are the beneficiaries of his achievement.

The activities leading up to Christ’s crucifixion become increasingly intense and we read about Jesus focusing on his mission and goal in the gospels. Jesus spent his whole life aiming for a goal that was set before him by God. He took steps everyday to ensure he would achieve the goal that was set. Here are few examples from the Gospel of John of the lessons we can learn from Jesus as he set out to achieve his goal:

  1. “My hour has not yet come.” John 2:4
    1. Know the right timing. Jesus could have created the right moment to provide salvation at any time. God had a plan that involved more than just showing up and dying, Jesus knew when and how the plan would execute.
  2. “I have food to eat that you know nothing about.” John 4:32
    1. See and believe in your vision. Even Jesus’ disciples didn’t understand or see his vision. Jesus knew what he had to do and pursued his mission even if it meant refusing well-intended help from others.
  3. Jesus wept. John 11:35
    1. Understand the big picture. Seeing the final outcome and proceeding through tough steps can cause grief. We see a lot of Jesus’ human character revealed in the story of raising Lazarus from the dead. Jesus understands his emotions and doesn’t let them deter him from the glory that is revealed in the end.
  4. “You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.” John 12:8
    1. Jesus doesn’t deny the need to help the poor, but he tells his disciples that his anointing is more important at this time.
  5. “I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.” John 13:15
    1. Serve others. Jesus death was the ultimate servant act. Serving was what he came to do and he did it in many ways. When he washed his disciple’s feet he showed a small act that we can follow. Jesus didn’t give up on the small teachings and actions in pursuing the big goal.
  6. “If I said something wrong,” Jesus replied, “testify as to what is wrong. But if I spoke the truth, why did you strike me?” John 18:23
    1. Speak truth. Jesus never waivered from the truth or deviated from his mission. His goals stayed true and he kept nothing in secret.
  7. “Take care of my sheep.” John 21:16
    1. Pass on the mission. If anyone could have continued to spread the news and provide for others, it was Jesus. But Jesus’ role was to die for our sins and rise from the dead to defeat death. Jesus passed on the mission to Peter, and to us, to continue to spread the message of God’s plan of salvation.

We can never do what Christ did for us. Our goals will not change eternity or provide salvation for all mankind. But our missions, our goals, should always fit into God’s plan so that he can work through us.

Jesus was sent to this earth to fulfill a mission, to reach a goal that only he could accomplish. This weekend, we remember Jesus and his goal as we pay special celebration to Christ’s death and resurrection on Easter Sunday. Please reach out to me if you would like to know more about Jesus, salvation from sins, and the blessings that come from being a follower of Christ.

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