And said to them, “Thus it is written, and thus it behooved Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead on the third day, and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.” Luke 24:46-47
Why did God the Son come into the world? To suffer and die on the cross and make atonement for the sins of all. What does Jesus say is the mission of the Church and its ministers in this world? To preach repentance and forgiveness of sins in His name to all people, beginning right where we are.
Thank You, dear Lord Jesus, for coming into the world to redeem me from sin and eternal damnation. Grant that I hear Your Word, repent of my sin, and look to You and Your cross in faith for pardon and forgiveness. And grant to Your Church faithful pastors and ministers to preach to all nations repentance and remission of sins in Your name. Amen.
[Scripture is quoted from the Revised Common Version of the Bible.]