“Again Jesus said, ‘Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.'” – John 20:21
John 20:21 Meaning
In this powerful moment, Jesus speaks to His disciples after His resurrection. He greets them with the words “Peace be with you!” which signifies His intention to comfort them. The disciples had just witnessed the tragic events leading to His crucifixion and were likely filled with fear, uncertainty, and confusion. Therefore, they needed reassurance, and Jesus’ words helped to calm their troubled hearts. This greeting also reflects the divine peace that is found in Christ, a peace that surpasses all understanding. It is a reminder that no matter the circumstances we face, we can find peace in Jesus.
The second part of Jesus’ statement, “As the Father has sent me, I am sending you,” is profound. Here, Jesus is commissioning His disciples for the mission ahead. Just as the Father sent Him into the world to bring salvation, healing, and hope, He is now empowering His disciples to continue that mission. This creates a direct line between Jesus and His followers, giving them purpose and calling them into action. We can see this as an invitation for us as well: we are called to step into God’s work in the world, sharing His message of love and redemption with others.
John 20:21 Commentary and Explanation
Jesus’ greeting “Peace be with you!” was not merely a social nicety; it was deeply significant. In this context, peace signifies a restoration of the relationship between God and humanity. Through Jesus’ death and resurrection, He provided a pathway for us to be reconciled with God. By extending this peace, Jesus offers His followers a sense of security and assurance that their sins are forgiven and they are free to engage with the world.
When Jesus boldly declares “As the Father has sent me, I am sending you,” it sheds light on the disciples’ new role. This statement connects His mission on Earth to the mission He is giving to His followers. Jesus was sent to fulfill God’s plan of salvation, and now He passes that mission on to us. It is important to understand that each of us has a role to play in God’s kingdom. Whether we feel equipped or not, Jesus’ call to action is inclusive, inviting all believers to be His hands and feet on this earth.
Moreover, this passage emphasizes the continuity of Christ’s mission. It showcases the collaborative nature of Christian faith, where we are not meant to act alone but to rely on one another as we fulfill our calling. Just as the disciples had to gather together for strength, encouragement, and accountability, we too should cultivate a community that supports and aids one another in our mission. Strength in unity enables us to move forward effectively and make a lasting impact.
As we reflect on this commissioning, we should consider our own readiness to answer Jesus’ call. Are we willing to step out into our calling, even when it may be challenging or uncomfortable? Jesus promises He will equip us for the work ahead, urging us to trust in Him as we share His love with others.
We find comfort in knowing that we are not alone in this journey. Jesus assured His disciples that they would not only receive peace but also the Holy Spirit to empower them for their calling. This same spirit is available to us today, guiding us as we navigate through life and reach out to others. What a blessing that we can serve our communities with the confidence that comes from His presence!
Historical and Literary Context of John 20:21
The Gospel of John is unique in its approach to the life and ministry of Jesus. While the Synoptic Gospels outline Jesus’ parables and miracles, John focuses on the deeper relationship between Jesus and His Father, emphasizing the divine nature of Christ. The events leading to John 20 occur in the backdrop of significant turmoil, including Jesus’ trial, crucifixion, and subsequent resurrection. This chapter depicts the aftermath of Jesus’ resurrection, a pivotal moment for the early Christian community.
In the context of John 20, the disciples were locking doors, not only physically but also emotionally—they were hiding, grappling with grief, guilt, and confusion about what the future may hold. Their encounter with the resurrected Jesus sparked a dramatic change in them. The words spoken to them reflect Jesus’ desire to replace their fears with hope and mission, setting the stage for the church’s commissioning to impact the world.
Additionally, the command “I am sending you” can be traced back to earlier biblical themes where God sends prophets and leaders to guide His people. Just as Moses was sent to liberate the Israelites, Jesus is now sending His followers to spread the good news of His resurrection. This corresponds with the broader meta-narrative of God’s desire to interact with humanity, showing He continually seeks to redeem us.
In understanding John 20:21, we recognize that it not only speaks to the past but also shapes the present and future of our faith. The empowerment of believers from early Christianity to the modern era hinges on accepting our place in God’s mission, being active participants in sharing His love and truth.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of John 20:21
1. “Peace be with you!”
This phrase signifies reconciliation, comfort, and reassurance of God’s presence in our lives. It reminds us that Jesus offers peace, even amid chaos.
2. “As the Father has sent me”
This points to the sending nature of God and His mission. It reflects the importance of being purposeful with our lives, aligning ourselves with God’s greater plan.
3. “I am sending you”
Jesus empowers His followers, showing that we are not meant to remain passive. We are all called to live out our faith actively, sharing it with others.
Theological Significance of John 20:21
John 20:21 carries profound theological meaning. First, it highlights the nature of God as a sending God—a God who actively engages with humanity and desires a relationship with us. God didn’t simply create the world and walk away; He continually sends His messengers to reveal His love and to fulfill His plans. Through Jesus, we see the ultimate example of this redemptive relationship.
This passage also underscores the doctrine of the Great Commission. Jesus commands His followers to go into the world, teach, and make disciples. This is a direct call for us to share the good news about Jesus, touching lives, and transforming communities through our actions and words. It encourages us to awaken to this mission rather than confining our faith to a personal journey.
Furthermore, it prompts thought about the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. When Jesus sends His disciples, He also empowers them with the Holy Spirit to guide, comfort, and mentor them as they engage in their mission. This affirms that our calling is not achieved through our strength alone but through the gracious support of the Holy Spirit—making us capable of carrying out Jesus’ mission in the world.
John 20:21 Cross-References and Related Verses
Matthew 16:24
“Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” – Matthew 16:24
This verse underlines the commitment required of followers of Jesus. It emphasizes self-denial and willingness to embrace challenges as we pursue His path.
Mark 16:15
“He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.’ – Mark 16:15
This aligns closely with the commissioning found in John 20:21, reinforcing our call to action as believers to share the message of hope.
Acts 1:8
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” – Acts 1:8
This verse connects to the empowering nature of the Holy Spirit, affirming that we can be effective witnesses as we carry out Jesus’ calling.
Practical Application of John 20:21
1. Embrace Peace
In our daily lives, we must strive to internalize the peace of Christ. This means not allowing worries and fears to overwhelm us but resting in the knowledge that Jesus is with us. We can create mindful moments where we pause and invite His peace into our situations.
2. Recognize Our Calling
Each of us has a unique calling from God. We should actively seek to understand how we can fulfill this. What gifts and talents has God given us that can contribute to His mission? Recognizing our responsibility can motivate us to share the good news with others.
3. Support One Another
In fulfilling our mission, let us remember the importance of community. By leaning on each other, we can provide encouragement, accountability, and support. Together, we can strengthen our faith and impact our communities.
4. Step Out in Faith
Answering God’s call may be intimidating, but it is vital to remember that we are never alone. Courageously step out in faith, trusting in His guidance as we share our faith and serve others.
Reflection and Devotional Thought on John 20:21
As we reflect on this scripture, we can ask ourselves what it means to truly embrace God’s peace and how we can actively participate in His mission. Let us be open to the ways He may prompt us to step forward. This can be as simple as volunteering in our local community or reaching out to a friend in need of encouragement.
Take time to meditate on Jesus’ words and ask for the Holy Spirit to guide your path. Allow the peace that comes from Him to dwell in your heart and give you courage as you seek to fulfill His calling. Let us not settle for a comfortable complacency but rather pursue a life vividly alive with purpose—reflecting the love and grace of Christ to the world around us.
Final Thoughts
The beauty of John 20:21 lies in its promise of peace and the empowering call to action. Jesus’ resurrection invites us to step into our faith with confidence, reassuring us of His presence as we embark on our individual and collective missions. Every believer has a vital role to play in sharing the gospel message and shining His light in the world.
As we end this exploration of John 20:21, may we remain committed to seeking His peace and purpose daily. Let us proceed boldly, ready to share the love of Christ in practical ways. We can choose to be instruments of hope and healing, fulfilling the calling laid before us.
If you would like to explore more topics, consider reading about Psalms 116 or Jeremiah 14. Dive deeper into the Word of God to continually grow in your understanding and faith.