Christ the Missionary: Four Advents of the Son of God

"And He shall send Jesus." The name apostellos (one sent) defines Christ's eternal mission across four successive phases. First, Christ came on pre-incarnate mission through Old Testament theophanies—manifesting Elohim before the Incarnation. Second, He came incarnate to save, assuming human flesh to qualify Himself for genuine brotherhood with our race. Third, after the Resurrection, He engaged crucial post-Ascension work. Fourth, and presently, He remains sent—the apostolos actively engaged since His Ascension, fulfilling Matthew 28:20: "Lo, I am with you."

The title Jesus emphasizes His human capacity—the Great Ambassador from on high who knows sympathy, helpfulness, and accessibility. Yet this same Jesus occupies the throne of the universe as our Brother, inviting us to "come boldly to the throne of grace." The title Christos (the Anointed) reveals Him as the Messiah—the reality of Old Testament types—still discharging three functions: Prophet, teaching fresh developments of truth; Priest, eternally interceding and applying His sacrifice's benefits; and King, legislating and leading to victory.

God the Father sends Jesus with the same joy Christ expressed at His Incarnation. No thought occupied our Lord's mind more than "I came from God"—except that "I was glad to come." This dignity transforms those who receive His mission: we participate in the ongoing work of Adonai through His sent One.