SVG In Christ

Interpretation of the Bible / John 13:20

Very truly I tell you, whoever accepts anyone I send accepts me; and whoever accepts me accepts the one who sent me.

John 13:20 shows Jesus speaking to his disciples at the Last Supper. This is a profound verse that shows the close relationship that exists between Jesus and those who represent Him. Jesus is instructing his disciples about the ministry they will have in the world and the importance of welcoming those sent.

Jesus sends us to do His work

To understand this statement from Jesus, it is important to recognize that He has sent us as His followers to do His work in the world. This means that we should not only seek to have a close relationship with Jesus, but also to go out into the world and share His love with others.

In one of the next verses, Jesus tells his disciples, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another” (John 13:34). We are to show love and compassion to others as Jesus showed us.

It is very important to receive the one Jesus sends

The first part of the verse, which says, “whoever accepts anyone I send accepts me,” is an important statement. Not only should we be ready to receive those whom Jesus sends to us, but it is important because Jesus is present in them.

To receive Jesus is to receive the Father

In the last part of the verse, “and whoever accepts me accepts the one who sent me,” Jesus shows the close relationship that exists between Him and the Father by declaring that to receive the one sent by Jesus is to receive Jesus, and therefore: the Father. This is a key statement of Christian doctrine, which teaches that Jesus and God are one. Therefore, to receive and welcome those sent by Jesus is a way of welcoming God Himself.

Book: New Testament / John
Topics: community, gentleness, Jesus
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