What is the meaning of John 20:21? Again Jesus said to them Jesus had already greeted the disciples once that resurrection evening (John 20:19), but He repeats Himself here. Repetition signals importance: He wants this truth to sink in. His reappearance underscores that His resurrection body is real, not an illusion, just as He had foretold (Luke 24:36-40). By speaking again, He confirms the certainty of both His victory over death and the message He is about to entrust to them. Peace be with you • This is more than a polite greeting; it is the risen Lord’s gift. Earlier He promised, “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you” (John 14:27). • Because He has conquered sin and death (Romans 5:1), believers can experience a settled wholeness that circumstances cannot steal (Philippians 4:7). • The peace flows from reconciliation with God and becomes the atmosphere in which all mission is carried out (Colossians 3:15). Jesus establishes peace first so that His followers minister from assurance, not anxiety. As the Father has sent Me • Jesus’ earthly mission was deliberate, sacrificial, and empowered by the Father (John 3:17; 17:18). • He came in humility (Philippians 2:5-8), truth (John 18:37), love (1 John 4:9-10), and authority (Matthew 28:18). • The phrase reminds us that Jesus is the model for ministry: His dependence on the Father (John 5:19), His obedience (Hebrews 5:8), and His compassion set the pattern we are to follow. So also I am sending you • The commission is personal—“I am sending you.” Jesus entrusts His ongoing work to real people, beginning with the apostles and extending to every disciple (Matthew 28:19-20). • It is purposeful—“sending.” We do not drift into mission; we are dispatched with intent to proclaim repentance and forgiveness of sins (Luke 24:47). • It is parallel—“as… so also.” Our task mirrors His: ‑ Going to people, not waiting for them to come (Mark 16:15). ‑ Speaking words of life and demonstrating acts of grace (Acts 1:8). ‑ Representing heaven’s authority as ambassadors (2 Corinthians 5:20). • The very next verse shows Jesus breathing the Holy Spirit on them (John 20:22), confirming that the power to fulfill the mission comes from God, not human strength. summary John 20:21 links the resurrection peace of Christ with the ongoing mission of the church. The risen Lord twice affirms His presence and calm, then anchors our calling in His own example: just as He was sent by the Father, we are now sent by Him. We go in His peace, with His pattern, and under His power, to continue His redemptive work in the world. |
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