John 20:21

John 20:21 is a pivotal post-resurrection declaration by Jesus to His disciples, marking a significant moment of commissioning and empowerment. Occurring on the evening of the resurrection day, this verse follows Jesus' initial greeting of peace and precedes the imparting of the Holy Spirit.

Context

After His crucifixion, the disciples were gathered in a locked room, consumed by fear of the Jewish authorities. Jesus suddenly appeared among them, offering His peace. This verse reiterates that greeting (see John 20:19) and then immediately transitions into their core mission. It highlights Jesus' focus on their future work, even as they were still processing the miraculous reality of His resurrection.

Key Themes

• Divine Peace: Jesus’ repeated greeting of "Peace be unto you" (Greek: eirēnē, echoing the Hebrew shalom) is more than a mere salutation. It signifies reconciliation with God, inner tranquility, and wholeness, which He alone can provide, especially in the midst of fear and uncertainty. This peace is a foundational gift for their mission, enabling them to overcome fear and boldly proclaim His message.
• Apostolic Commission: The declaration, "as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you," is a profound statement of delegation. Jesus, having completed His earthly mission given by the Father, now commissions His followers to continue His work. This sets the stage for what is often called the Great Commission, emphasizing that their mission is directly analogous to His own divine sending.
• Divine Authority and Representation: The phrase "as my Father hath sent me" highlights Jesus' own divine authority and purpose. By saying "even so send I you," Jesus confers upon His disciples a similar, though derivative, authority. They are to be His representatives, carrying His message and embodying His character in the world, just as He represented the Father. Their mission is not self-initiated but divinely appointed.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "sent" used here is apostellō (ἀποστέλλω), from which we derive the English word "apostle." It means to send out with a specific commission, purpose, or authority. This isn't just a casual sending; it implies being a delegate or messenger with a specific task and the backing of the sender. Jesus’ use of this term underscores the weighty and authoritative nature of the disciples’ future ministry.

Practical Application

For believers today, John 20:21 serves as a powerful reminder of our ongoing mission. Just as the Father sent Jesus, and Jesus sent His original disciples, so too are all believers called to be His ambassadors in the world. This involves:

• Living in His Peace: Embracing the peace Christ offers allows us to face challenges without crippling fear, trusting in His sovereignty.
• Embodying His Mission: Our lives should reflect Christ's character and purpose, sharing the good news of the Gospel through our words and actions.
• Operating with His Authority: While not apostles in the foundational sense, all believers are empowered by the Holy Spirit (as described in the very next verse, John 20:22) to carry out the work of reconciliation and witness, extending God's kingdom and peace to others.

This verse is a foundational text for understanding the church's missionary mandate and the believer's role as a representative of Christ.