Today’s Reading:
John 20:19-23
“So, Jesus said to them again, “Peace to you! As the Father sent Me, I also send you.” (v. 21)
To be sent means to be directed or instructed or told to go and achieve a specific purpose. For example, sending a deliver a message. It is logical to say that for a person to be sent, there must have been a sender or a calling. The person must have been called and subsequently sent. Many people and prophets in the Old Testament were called and sent. These include Abraham, Moses, Samuel, Jonah, and Gideon. Many like Paul, Timothy, and disciples were called and sent in the New Testament days.
In verse 21 of Today’s reading, Jesus mentioned that the Father had sent him. This is also confirmed in John 13:3, 17:3,23. However, it is important to know that before Jesus was sent, He had first been called by the Father. Scriptures confirm that Jesus, the Lamb of God, was fore-ordained before the foundation of the world (1 Peter 1:20) and was slain before the foundation of the world (Rev 13:8), “to take away the sin of the world (John 1:29), and to abolish death and bring life and immortality to light through the gospel (2 Timothy 1:10). This had happened in the eternal past, before man was created and later sinned. Consequently, God had announced the redemption plan contained in Gen. 3:15, which was manifested in these last times for us who believe (1 Peter 1:20-21). The accounts recorded in the Four Gospels are evidence that Jesus, who was sent by God to mankind, accomplished all the purposes for which He was sent. On the cross, Jesus cried out “It is finished”, that is, the work of redemption was accomplished, and man was then reconciled with God.
Jesus had completed his assignment on earth in about 33 ½ years and was ready to go back to his Father in heaven. But He, at the beginning of his ministry, called twelve disciples and many followers, who walked and worked with him for about three and a half years. They were part of and also witnesses of all that were accomplished by Jesus. After his crucifixion, death and resurrection and fully ready to go back to heaven, Jesus decided to pass the baton to the disciples first. In verse 21, Jesus said that as the Father had sent him, he also sent them (the disciples). This Great Commission is well documented in the gospels of Matt. 28:19-20; Mk 16:15-16 and Luke 24:47-49. To back them up, Jesus pronounced “peace” to them. He breathed on them to release the Holy Spirit and also gave them authority (v.23). He commanded them to go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature, with signs and wonders to follow them (Mk 16:15-18). He commanded in Matt 28:19-20 to go and make disciples of all nations, and teaching them to observe all the things He had taught them. Gladly enough, it is recorded in Mk 16:20 that the disciples went out and preached everywhere and the Lord worked with them and confirmed the word through the accompanying signs.
Amazingly, today believers are also sent! The calling and sending did not end with Jesus’ disciples. Rather, the Epistles are the records of the calling and sending of followers in the first-century church. The calling and sending have, over the two centuries, extended to today’s believers. Apostle Paul told Timothy that we all are saved and called with a holy calling by God (2 Tim. 1:9) and are to carry on the “Great Commission”. We are Sent! Today’s believers are not only called and sent but are graciously backed up with the power of the Holy Spirit promised and sent by the Father at Pentecost. Also, we are without excuses, since we are supported by manifestations of related prophecies and an increase of knowledge, resulting in unbelievable technologies. Get up and play your roles. You have been sent.
CHRISTIE KUPOLUYI
To surrender your life to Christ, say this prayer aloud. “Father, I acknowledge my sin against you. I repent and ask for forgiveness, in the name of Jesus. I surrender to the Lordship of Jesus. By the power of your Holy Spirit, take control of my heart and lead me in your path of righteousness. Thank you, Lord”.
If you said the prayer, Congratulations! Prayerfully look for a living church and report to the resident reverend pastor or priest.
Prayer:
Father, thank you very much for sending Your Son Jesus for our salvation.
Lord Jesus, we appreciate Your sacrifice that has given us salvation.
Father, please stir up the desire to carry out the Great Commission in every believer, especially as time is running out fast.
Lord Jesus, please spring the church out to seek after the lost souls, so that the kingdom of God is populated daily, even beyond our nation.
Father, please bring revival to our nation through the church.
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