John 13:20

John 13:20 is a profound statement by Jesus, delivered during the intimate setting of the Last Supper, emphasizing the deep connection between Himself, His messengers, and God the Father. It highlights the principle of divine representation and the sacred nature of receiving those sent by Christ.

Context

This verse immediately follows Jesus' remarkable act of washing His disciples' feet (John 13:1-17), an object lesson in humble service and leadership. After demonstrating this profound humility, Jesus transitions to discussing the authority He delegates to His followers. The statement also subtly sets the stage for the revelation of His betrayer, Judas, as it underscores the importance of who is "sent" and who is "received." Jesus is preparing His disciples for their future mission, assuring them of the divine backing behind their work, despite the challenges, including betrayal, they would face.

Key Themes and Messages

• Divine Authority and Representation: Jesus asserts that those He sends carry His authority. To accept them is to accept Him. This principle establishes the legitimacy of the apostles and future ministers of the Gospel, highlighting the profound spiritual significance of receiving God's chosen servants.
• Unity with the Father: The chain of reception extends from the messenger to Jesus, and from Jesus to God the Father. This underscores the profound unity within the Trinity and the divine origin of Jesus' mission and the mission of His disciples. As Jesus states elsewhere, "He that hath seen me hath seen the Father" (John 14:9).
• The Importance of Reception: The verse places significant emphasis on the act of "receiving." This involves not just hospitality but an acceptance of the message, the person, and the divine authority they represent. It implies a willingness to listen, believe, and obey, recognizing the spiritual implications of such an act.
• Commission of the Disciples: This verse serves as an assurance and empowerment for the disciples, reinforcing their future role as ambassadors of Christ. It relates directly to the sending out of believers to share the Gospel, echoing the themes found in the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20).

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "Verily, verily" translates the Greek amen, amen (ἀμὴν, ἀμὴν), a solemn double affirmation used frequently by Jesus in the Gospel of John to introduce a statement of profound truth or importance. It emphasizes the absolute certainty and weight of what is about to be said, signaling to the hearers that this is a crucial revelation. The word "receiveth" (Greek: lambanō, λαμβάνω) implies more than just a physical welcoming; it signifies an acceptance, an embracing of the person and their message, acknowledging their legitimacy and divine authority.

Practical Application

For believers today, John 13:20 carries several vital applications:

• Honoring God's Messengers: It encourages believers to receive and respect those whom God sends to preach His Word or minister in His name, recognizing that their authority comes from Christ Himself. This fosters a spirit of unity and cooperation within the body of Christ.
• Understanding Our Own Representation: If we are followers of Christ, we are also, in a sense, His representatives in the world. Our actions and words can either honor or dishonor Him. This calls for living a life worthy of the Gospel and being mindful of how we reflect Christ to others in our daily lives.
• Deepening Our Relationship with God: By truly receiving Jesus through faith and obedience, we are simultaneously receiving God the Father. This verse highlights the inseparable bond between the Son and the Father, inviting us into a deeper relationship with the entire Godhead. It reinforces the idea that Jesus is the way to the Father (John 14:6), and that accepting Him is accepting God.