The mission of the Son and of the servants.
A mission involves a sender, the party to whom he sends, the sent one, and a commission to be fulfilled by the sent on behalf of the sender and for the benefit of those whom he visits. A religious mission originates in God, is designed for the welfare of men, and is accomplished in the first instance by the Son of God, and then by his ministers.
I. THE MISSION ON WHICH CHRIST WAS SENT BY THE FATHER.
1. The origin of thin mission must be sought in the love and pity of the Father towards sinful men, and in the condition of humanity which rendered a Divine interposition desirable.
2. The condition of this mission was the incarnation and advent of the Son of God.
3. The evidence and authentication of this mission are found in Christ's mighty works and benevolent ministry on earth.
4. The completion of this mission was effected when the Lord Jesus laid down his life for the sheep.
II. THE MISSION ON WHICH CHRISTIAN APOSTLES AND EVANGELISTS WERE SENT BY THEIR LORD. The twelve were, because thus sent, designated "apostles." There is no reason to limit the mission to these; it was shared by the evangelists who were associated with them, and indeed by the whole Church of the Redeemer.
1. Apostolic conditions. These are
2. The apostolic spirit. This is preeminently a spirit of dependence upon the gospel and upon the Spirit of Christ.
3. Apostolic methods.
III. THE RELATION BETWEEN THE MISSION OF CHRIST AND THAT OF HIS CHURCH.
1. A relation of dependence. The mission of apostles and preachers would be impossible, had it not been preceded by that of the Divine Lord himself. The mission of the Son made possible that of the servants.
2. A relation of similarity. Notwithstanding the difference between Divinity and humanity, between the work of mediation and that of publication, the mission of the followers is as that of the Leader. In both cases the work is God's, the authority is God's, the favor and assistance is God's, and the end sought is God's. The recompense and the joy ensuing in both cases upon success is one and the same. How honorable is the Christian calling! how noble the Christian aim! how sacred the Christian fellowship! how bright the Christian hope!—T.