What does "receives the one I send" teach about Christian leadership? Scene and Statement John 13:20 unfolds in the upper room just after Jesus has washed the disciples’ feet. He solemnly declares, “Truly, truly, I tell you, whoever receives the one I send receives Me; and whoever receives Me receives the One who sent Me.” What “Receives the One I Send” Means • “Receives” = welcomes, honors, listens to, and submits to. • “The one I send” = any servant Christ commissions—apostles then, faithful leaders now. • The verse forms a chain of representation: – Receive Christ’s messenger → you receive Christ. – Receive Christ → you receive the Father. Authority and Representation • Leaders do not invent authority; they carry it. • Matthew 10:40 echoes the same promise: “He who receives you receives Me, and he who receives Me receives the One who sent Me.” • Luke 10:16 clarifies accountability: “Whoever listens to you listens to Me; whoever rejects you rejects Me.” • Therefore, leadership is ambassadorial. 2 Corinthians 5:20: “Therefore we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making His appeal through us.” Marks of a Leader Sent by Christ • Servant posture—modeled in the foot-washing immediately preceding the verse (John 13:14–15). • Fidelity to Jesus’ words (1 Peter 4:11). • Visible humility, not self-promotion (Mark 10:42-45). • Willingness to suffer for truth (2 Timothy 2:3). • Accountability before God (Hebrews 13:17). How the Church Should Respond • Receive the messenger as Christ’s gift, not merely a gifted person. • Discern faithfulness to Scripture; then offer trust, cooperation, and material support (Galatians 6:6). • Recognize that rejecting faithful leadership is, in effect, rejecting Christ Himself. Personal Application for Every Leader Today • Remember whose message you carry—never tamper with it (1 Thessalonians 2:4). • Lead as a conduit, not a celebrity. • Serve before you speak; people receive servants more readily than self-appointed rulers. • Lean on God’s strength, not personal charisma (2 Corinthians 12:9). • Aim for the commendation of the Sender, not applause from the crowd (Matthew 25:21). |
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