Again, Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” –John 20:21
In chapter one of Mark’s Gospel account of Jesus we are told a story about how Jesus bursts on the scene performing one miracle after another. As you might expect, once word began to spread, more and more people started showing up. Jesus spent the night performing miracles; healing the sick, and casting out demons. The very next morning, Jesus’ disciples were ready to take the next step in their newfound popularity with the people, but when they went to get Jesus, he was gone.
After searching for Jesus, the disciples finally found him in a quiet place praying. They didn’t say hello, ask him how he was doing, or even what he was doing. The text says, they exclaimed, “everyone is looking for you.”
So Jesus, seeing the excitement on their faces, grabbed his sandals, hiked up his cloak and started running for the people. Actually, it didn’t quite happen like that. We are told that Jesus responds to his disciple’s urgent plea by saying, “Let us go somewhere else–to nearby villages–so I can preach there also. That is why I have come.”
Don’t miss these 6 life-altering words, “that is why I have come.”
At the end of his time on earth, Jesus revealed a truth about himself and subsequently challenged his followers. He said, “as the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” Jesus owned his identity as one who was “sent” by his Father. Just like in Mark chapter 1, we consistently see Jesus making decisions throughout the 4 gospels based on his identity as one who is “sent.”
He was secure in his identity as one who was “sent.” He didn’t need the praise of the crowds to make him feel significant. Nor did he need to twist people’s arms to receive his message to validate his missional ego.
Interestingly, people who were nothing like Jesus, liked Jesus. Even though Jesus came with a very specific mission, he never seemed rushed and he never made people feel like they were merely pawns in a cosmic chess match.
Jesus’ words were matched with his compassionate actions and his actions were often accompanied by life-giving words. He had an uncanny way of making people feel seen and loved. Need some examples? Just ask any of the tax collectors who he ate dinner with, the woman at the well, Zacchaeus, the woman caught in adultery, the blind man by the side of the road, and the list could go on and on.
In the same way, you too have been sent by Jesus to accomplish something specific on this side of heaven. There will only ever be one Jesus, but we are an extension of the work that he began. What have you been “sent” to do? Who have you been “sent” to serve? How will you live out this identity as a “sent” one?
reflect and respond
Stop for a moment and reflect on Jesus’ words in John 20:21. Who or what comes to mind when you think of being “sent” by Jesus?
How have people responded to you as a “sent” one?
Are there any insecurities that come to mind that could be hindering your identity as a “sent” one?
How can you be a “sent” one in the following contexts: at home, at work, in your neighborhood, or around the world?
