John 20:21 - Jesus therefore said to them again, “Peace be to you. As the Father has sent me, even so I send you.”
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "John 20:21" mean?
This verse, John 20:21, is packed with meaning and represents a pivotal moment in the post-resurrection narrative. Let's break it down:
"Jesus therefore said to them again, 'Peace be to you.'"
The repetition of "Peace be to you" is significant. Jesus has already offered them peace in verse 19. This repetition emphasizes the importance of this peace. It's not just a casual greeting; it's a peace that transcends earthly anxieties and fears. It's a peace born from reconciliation with God and the forgiveness of sins. It's likely that the disciples are still reeling from the trauma of Jesus' crucifixion and their own scattering in fear. This peace is essential for them to move forward and embrace the mission he is about to give them.
"As the Father has sent me, even so I send you."
This is the core of the verse and outlines the disciples' mission:
"As the Father has sent me..." This refers to the entire mission of Jesus Christ. He was sent by God the Father to:
Reveal God's love and character to humanity.
Teach and preach the Gospel of the Kingdom.
Live a perfect, sinless life.
Offer himself as a sacrifice for the sins of the world.
Conquer death through his resurrection.
"...even so I send you." This is where the power and weight of the verse reside. Jesus is commissioning the disciples to continue his mission. It's a direct transfer of authority and responsibility. They are to go into the world with the same purpose and spirit that motivated Jesus.
This means:
Representing Christ: They are to be his ambassadors, acting and speaking on his behalf.
Sharing the Gospel: They are to preach the good news of salvation to all nations.
Making disciples: They are to call people to repentance, faith, and obedience to Christ.
Living a life of love and service: They are to demonstrate the love of Christ through their actions, caring for the poor, the sick, and the marginalized.
Facing persecution: Just as Jesus faced opposition, the disciples will also encounter resistance and persecution for their faith.
Key implications:
Authority and Empowerment: This verse grants the disciples, and by extension, the Church, the authority to act in Jesus' name. This authority isn't a power grab but a responsibility to faithfully carry out his mission.
Continuity: The verse highlights the continuity between Jesus' mission and the mission of his followers. They are not starting something new, but continuing what he began.
Sacrifice and Commitment: Following Jesus' example means a life of sacrifice and dedication. It's not an easy path, but it's a path filled with purpose and meaning.
The Holy Spirit: While not explicitly mentioned in this verse, it's important to remember that Jesus breathes the Holy Spirit on them in the verses that follow, giving them the power and ability to fulfill this daunting mission. They are not sent out alone or with only their own strength.
In essence, John 20:21 is a powerful commissioning verse that lays the foundation for the Church's mission in the world. It reminds us that we are called to be Christ's representatives, sharing his love, his message, and his peace with all who will listen.
John 20:21 - Jesus therefore said to them again, “Peace be to you. As the Father has sent me, even so I send you.”
What does "John 20:21" mean?
This verse, John 20:21, is packed with meaning and represents a pivotal moment in the post-resurrection narrative. Let's break it down:
"Jesus therefore said to them again, 'Peace be to you.'"
The repetition of "Peace be to you" is significant. Jesus has already offered them peace in verse 19. This repetition emphasizes the importance of this peace. It's not just a casual greeting; it's a peace that transcends earthly anxieties and fears. It's a peace born from reconciliation with God and the forgiveness of sins. It's likely that the disciples are still reeling from the trauma of Jesus' crucifixion and their own scattering in fear. This peace is essential for them to move forward and embrace the mission he is about to give them.
"As the Father has sent me, even so I send you."
This is the core of the verse and outlines the disciples' mission:
"As the Father has sent me..." This refers to the entire mission of Jesus Christ. He was sent by God the Father to:
Reveal God's love and character to humanity.
Teach and preach the Gospel of the Kingdom.
Live a perfect, sinless life.
Offer himself as a sacrifice for the sins of the world.
Conquer death through his resurrection.
"...even so I send you." This is where the power and weight of the verse reside. Jesus is commissioning the disciples to continue his mission. It's a direct transfer of authority and responsibility. They are to go into the world with the same purpose and spirit that motivated Jesus.
This means:
Representing Christ: They are to be his ambassadors, acting and speaking on his behalf.
Sharing the Gospel: They are to preach the good news of salvation to all nations.
Making disciples: They are to call people to repentance, faith, and obedience to Christ.
Living a life of love and service: They are to demonstrate the love of Christ through their actions, caring for the poor, the sick, and the marginalized.
Facing persecution: Just as Jesus faced opposition, the disciples will also encounter resistance and persecution for their faith.
Key implications:
Authority and Empowerment: This verse grants the disciples, and by extension, the Church, the authority to act in Jesus' name. This authority isn't a power grab but a responsibility to faithfully carry out his mission.
Continuity: The verse highlights the continuity between Jesus' mission and the mission of his followers. They are not starting something new, but continuing what he began.
Sacrifice and Commitment: Following Jesus' example means a life of sacrifice and dedication. It's not an easy path, but it's a path filled with purpose and meaning.
The Holy Spirit: While not explicitly mentioned in this verse, it's important to remember that Jesus breathes the Holy Spirit on them in the verses that follow, giving them the power and ability to fulfill this daunting mission. They are not sent out alone or with only their own strength.
In essence, John 20:21 is a powerful commissioning verse that lays the foundation for the Church's mission in the world. It reminds us that we are called to be Christ's representatives, sharing his love, his message, and his peace with all who will listen.