Most Esoterists and Occultists believe that there is some kind of Divine Plan, or Great Plan, guiding the evolution of Humanity, and indeed of all life, all consciousness, and the Universe itself.

Is the Plan knowable by mere mortals?
Perhaps not, but some believe there are “Masters,” “Inner Plane Adepts,” or other “Great Ones” who know it, at least, partially and who themselves work under its guidance at high spiritual levels. 

Do these Masters ever appear on Earth? In Physical Form?
Some say yes. And even that they have incarnated in such men as the Buddha, Christ, and others in order to bring about certain transitions in Humanity, in Consciousness, perhaps even in the genetic structure.