How does John 13:20 emphasize the importance of receiving Christ's messengers today? Setting the Scene in the Upper Room “Truly, truly, I tell you, whoever receives the one I send receives Me; and whoever receives Me receives the One who sent Me.” — John 13:20 The Chain of Representation • Father → Son → Sent Ones • Accepting the messenger = accepting Jesus. • Accepting Jesus = accepting the Father. Other echoes: Receiving Christ’s Messengers Today • Who are they? ‒ Missionaries, pastors, teachers, evangelists (Ephesians 4:11-12). ‒ Any believer faithfully sharing the gospel (Acts 8:4). • Why it matters: ‒ Their words carry the authority of the One who sent them (Luke 10:16). ‒ Their ministry builds up and protects the church (Ephesians 4:12-13). ‒ Welcoming them unites us with God’s redemptive mission (3 John 8). Practical Ways to Honor His Sent Ones • Listen attentively to biblical preaching and teaching (Acts 2:42). • Test everything by Scripture, then obey what proves true (Acts 17:11). • Support them financially and materially (Philippians 4:15-17). • Pray regularly for boldness, protection, and fruit (Colossians 4:3-4). • Stand with them publicly when they’re opposed (2 Timothy 1:16-18). • Imitate their Christlike faith and character (Hebrews 13:7). Blessings Promised to Those Who Receive • Deeper fellowship with Christ and the Father (John 14:23). • Shared reward in gospel fruit (Philippians 4:17; 3 John 8). • Strengthened faith and unity within the body (Ephesians 4:16). Warnings for Those Who Reject • Rejecting the messenger = rejecting Christ, and thus the Father (Luke 10:16). • Loss of spiritual protection and blessing (2 John 9-10). • Accountability before God for resisting His appointed servants (Hebrews 13:17). Summing It Up To welcome Christ’s messengers is to welcome Christ Himself. By embracing their message, supporting their mission, and imitating their faith, we participate in the very heartbeat of God’s redemptive plan today. |
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