In Scripture, we discover that the essential mission of Christ during His time on earth was to fulfill God’s plan of providing a means of salvation for the lost. Jesus declared, “I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me” (John 6:38 NASB). He further clarified that He was not sent to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through Him (John 3:17).
The New Testament is filled with narratives that record both the words and ministry of Jesus as He repeatedly enlightened His disciples—and us—concerning the mission given to Him by the Father: “to seek and to save the lost” (Luke 19:10 NIV).
We witness this mission clearly in Jesus’s journey to the region of the Gadarenes, where He encountered the man possessed by demons who lived among the tombs (Mark 5:1–20; Luke 8:26–39). Scripture reveals that this man was bound not merely by chains and fetters, but by the unclean spirit that dominated his existence. At the command of Jesus, the man is completely delivered—he is set free! When the people of the city come to investigate, they find the man sitting, clothed, and in his right mind. This encounter is unique in that it is the only recorded miracle that Jesus did there—He arrived, delivered the man, and left—as if that man were His sole mission in that moment.
In the Gospel of John, we see a similar pattern. As Jesus and His disciples depart Judea amid growing religious tension and travel toward Galilee, His mission includes a “divine necessity” to pass through Samaria (John 4:4). There, Jesus encounters a Samaritan woman at a well, where he not only offers her a powerful moment of self-revelation, but He reveals Himself to her as Christ, the Messiah. Before the end of the chapter, the woman perceives the truth and believes.
In this encounter, Jesus crosses multiple barriers— barriers of culture, ethnicity, gender, religiosity, shame, and sin—to reach one broken and sinful woman. Through His mission to seek and save the lost, those barriers are dismantled. By offering the gift of salvation to the Samaritan woman and entrusting her with a new testimony empowered by the Holy Spirit, Jesus reveals the heart of the Father and affirms that there is hope, purpose, and a place of ministry for all.
When Jesus reveals His identity as the Messiah— “I who speak to you am He” (John 4:26 NASB)— it is the first time He makes such a declaration in John’s Gospel. It is striking to note that this is not spoken to the disciples nor the multitudes, but to a Samaritan woman in desperate need of a Savior. His mission is clear: He came to seek and to save.
In both narratives, testimony becomes a powerful extension of mission.
The delivered man from the Gadarenes longs to accompany Jesus as He prepares to depart, but Jesus instructs him instead to remain and to testify to his friends about the great things the Lord has done for him, and the compassion Jesus has shown to him. As he shares his testimony, the people marvel. The lasting impact of his witness is revealed in the response of those around him.
Luke records a significant event upon Jesus’s return to the region of Galilee: He was welcomed by those who were waiting for Him (Luke 8:40). News of His miracles and His teachings had spread. This postscript demonstrates the profound impact Jesus had on people and the enduring power of testimony. The fact that they were all waiting suggests more than a few individuals—it points to a community. This speaks to how we approach our faith. Testimony not only affirms what God has done; it reminds us that others are watching, longing to see Jesus lived out through our lives, our families, and our communities. Testimony prepares us for the miraculous as we are encouraged to anticipate what He will yet do.
The Samaritan woman responds in a similar way. Having encountered Christ, she leaves her water jar and returns to her village, testifying, “Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did” (John 4:29 NIV). Through Christ, her shame has been removed, and she becomes an evangelistic witness to her entire community. Compelled by love and empowered by the Holy Spirit, she proclaims what she knows—a man, possibly the Messiah, is here and He cares for me!
Altough the woman does not seem to comprehend fully the identity of Jesus as Messiah, she proclaims what she does know. Because of her testimony, the whole city comes to see Jesus for themselves. What begins as one woman’s testimony grows into a two-day spiritual awakening, where many believe—not only because of her words, but because they hear for themselves, and they experience Christ personally. Their declaration is firm and profound: “This is truly the Savior of the world” (John 4:42 NRSV; see also 1 John 4:14).
Within the Church of God of Prophecy, our global mandate to make disciples has become a charge to reconcile the world to Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit. This directive has become the heartbeat of our movement.
Throughout Scripture, God reveals His love and His relentless commitment to reconcile humanity to Himself. This is evident even at the cross. In His final moments, Jesus remains faithful to His mission to seek and save the lost. Turning to a thief who responds in faith, He offers this testimony of grace: “Today you will be with Me in Paradise” (Luke 23:43 NASB).
The challenge for those of us blessed with sufficient resources is to recognize our responsibility to support God’s mission beyond our immediate context. March Mission Drive serves as a vital tool within our movement to raise support for missions; it helps provide the resources necessary to sustain ministry, equip leaders, and proclaim Christ throughout the nations.
As we reflect on His Mission, Our Testimony, we invite you to join us through prayer, faithful giving, and active partnership. Together, we can continue to proclaim Christ, share our testimonies, strengthen the Church, and bear witness to God’s transforming work across the nations.
