John 20:21 is about Jesus commissioning his disciples to continue his work of spreading the message of peace and forgiveness to the world.
21 Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.”
Setting the Scene for John 20:21
In John chapter 20, we find the scene where Jesus appears to his disciples after his resurrection. The disciples are gathered together in a room, filled with fear and uncertainty following the crucifixion of Jesus. Suddenly, Jesus appears among them, despite the doors being locked, and greets them with the words, “Peace be with you.”
The disciples present in this scene include Thomas, who was not with them when Jesus first appeared, and had doubted the resurrection until he saw Jesus with his own eyes. Also present are Peter, James, John, and the other disciples who had followed Jesus during his ministry. The room is dimly lit, with a sense of heaviness and confusion lingering in the air as they try to make sense of the miraculous events unfolding before them.
As Jesus stands in their midst, showing them his hands and side as proof of his identity, a sense of awe and wonder fills the room. The disciples’ fear is replaced with joy and amazement as they come to realize that their beloved teacher and friend has truly risen from the dead. This powerful moment marks a turning point for the disciples, as they are commissioned by Jesus to go forth and spread the good news of his resurrection to the world.
What is John 20:21 about?
Imagine standing with Jesus as He gives this command to His disciples. How would you feel? What responsibility would you sense in His words? The commission to continue spreading the Gospel is not just a task but a calling—a divine mission entrusted to us as believers. Jesus is passing the torch to His followers, empowering them to carry on His work of sharing the good news of salvation with the world.
This verse reminds us that as followers of Christ, we are called to be His ambassadors, sharing His love and message of redemption with those around us. It is a reminder that the work of spreading the Gospel is a collective responsibility, a task that we are all called to participate in. Jesus equips and empowers us today to continue the same mission of making disciples of all nations, just as He did with His disciples. This verse should encourage and inspire us to boldly proclaim the Gospel and make disciples in our communities and beyond.
Understanding what John 20:21 really means
In the post-resurrection appearances of Jesus to His disciples, John 20:21 stands out as a pivotal moment of commissioning. Picture this: Jesus, having conquered death, appears to His fearful followers who are hiding. His first words, “Peace be with you,” carry immense significance. They are not mere greetings but a profound declaration of the peace that stems from His victory over death. In a world rife with anxiety and uncertainty, these words resonate deeply, offering reassurance and calm to troubled hearts.
“As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” This statement from Jesus signifies a transfer of mission. Just as Jesus was sent by the Father with a divine purpose, He now commissions His disciples to continue His work on earth. This act of sending is not exclusive to the disciples of old but extends to believers today. It prompts us to consider our own roles in God’s grand design, urging us to actively engage in spreading love, peace, and the teachings of Jesus in our spheres of influence.
The parallel in John 17:18, where Jesus prays, “As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world,” reinforces the concept of being sent with a purpose. This echoes the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20, where Jesus instructs His followers to make disciples of all nations. Acts 1:8 further emphasizes the empowerment of the Holy Spirit for this mission, highlighting the vital role of divine enablement in fulfilling the task at hand.
Consider Sarah, a young woman adrift in her career, who encounters John 20:21 during a season of uncertainty. The words “Peace be with you” wash over her, bringing a tranquility she had longed for. Reflecting on “I am sending you,” she begins to view her job not merely as a means of livelihood but as a platform for making a difference. Starting small by showing kindness to colleagues and engaging in community initiatives, Sarah experiences a profound shift. Her work transforms into a mission field where she can impact lives, leading to a newfound sense of purpose and fulfillment.
In essence, John 20:21 encapsulates the core of Jesus’ post-resurrection message: peace and purpose. It beckons believers to embrace the peace He offers and actively partake in His mission. By internalizing this verse and living it out daily, individuals can unearth deeper significance and direction in their lives, becoming catalysts for positive change in the world around them. So, let us heed the call to be agents of peace and purpose, knowing that we are sent not by mere chance but by divine design.
How can we reflect Jesus in our daily lives?
We can reflect Jesus in our daily lives by following His example of love, compassion, and humility. We can strive to be peacemakers in our relationships and communities, just as Jesus was sent by the Father to bring peace and reconciliation to the world. We can show love to others by caring for and helping those in need, just like Jesus did during His time on earth.
Another way to reflect Jesus in our daily lives is by being a light in the darkness. We can shine the light of Christ through our actions and words, spreading hope and joy to those around us. We can show others the transformative power of living in alignment with Jesus’ teachings by living a life of integrity and honesty. Our daily interactions with others can be an opportunity to demonstrate Christ-like forgiveness, grace, and compassion, mirroring the love that Jesus showed to all people.
Application
Think about how you can be a beacon of light in your workplace or a source of encouragement to family members. Just as Jesus sent His disciples, He sends you to share love, grace, and hope. Look around—who needs a kind word or a helping hand? Step up and be that person. Can you make a difference today by being a vessel of God’s love?
Reverend Michael Johnson is an experienced Church Minister with a profound expertise in spirituality and guidance. With a serene presence and a compassionate heart, he has faithfully served his congregation for over 20 years, leading them on a spiritual journey towards inner peace and enlightenment. Reverend Johnson’s extensive knowledge of religious philosophies and profound understanding of human nature have made him a trusted confidant and mentor to many, as he seamlessly weaves his profound wisdom into life teachings. Reverend Johnson’s calming demeanor and empathetic nature continue to uplift and heal souls, nurturing a sense of unity and tranquility within his community.