Bible Byte
“Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.””
John 20:21 ESV
This takes place after Jesus died and was resurrected. Jesus had just showed His disciples His nail scarred hands in order to prove to them that He was the Messiah. He didn’t get upset with them for questioning who He was. He simply granted them peace. Now Jesus is telling them He has a mission for them. In David Guzik’s Enduring Word commentary he lists 3 “Jesus was not sent as” statements… followed by 4 “Jesus was sent to” statements.
• Jesus was not sent as a philosopher like Plato or Aristotle, though He knew higher philosophy than them all.
• Jesus was not sent as an inventor or a discoverer, though He could have invented new things and discovered new lands.
• Jesus was not sent as a conqueror, though He was mightier than Alexander or Caesar
• Jesus was sent to teach.
• Jesus was sent to live among us.
• Jesus was sent to suffer for truth and righteousness.
• Jesus was sent to rescue men.
This list is a great reference tool for believers to use today as we live our lives being in the world but not of the world. Pastors would do well using this list as a point of reference in teaching the flock God has entrusted to them. Currently we have too many philosophers in pulpits. Always looking to discover for new inventive ways to present God to the church. Trying to conquer sin in the lives of the church in their own strength and power rather than recognizing that Jesus is the only One that already spiritually conquered sin. And, one day He will return with all of His believers watching Him take care of sin (satan) and cast him into the abyss.
A pastor is sent to teach… to live among the flock God has given them… knowing they will suffer for truth and righteousness… to stand at the gates of hell and rescue men.
After telling His disciples their mission in life… “And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.”
John 20:22 ESV
Jesus knew they could not do any of this in their own strength. They needed a Helper (Paraclete).
That same Holy Spirit lives within us today. We are blessed!
Love ya,
Pastor Don