The phrase "The One He has sent" is a significant theological concept in Christian doctrine, primarily referring to Jesus Christ as the sent one from God the Father. This concept is deeply rooted in the New Testament and is central to understanding the mission and identity of Jesus as the Messiah and the Son of God.

Biblical Foundation

The phrase is most prominently found in the Gospel of John, where Jesus frequently speaks of being sent by the Father. In John 6:29, Jesus responds to the crowd's inquiry about doing the works of God by saying, "The work of God is this: to believe in the One He has sent" . This statement underscores the importance of faith in Jesus as the one sent by God, highlighting belief in Him as the primary work that God desires from humanity.

Theological Significance

1. Divine Mission: The concept of being sent implies a divine mission. Jesus is portrayed as the emissary of God, sent to accomplish specific purposes, including the redemption of humanity, the revelation of God's character, and the establishment of God's kingdom on earth. In John 3:17, it is stated, "For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him" . This mission of salvation is central to the understanding of Jesus' role as the sent one.

2. Authority and Obedience: Being sent by God also implies that Jesus carries divine authority. In John 5:23, Jesus asserts that honoring the Son is equivalent to honoring the Father who sent Him. This authority is further emphasized in John 7:16, where Jesus says, "My teaching is not My own, but it comes from Him who sent Me" . Jesus' teachings and actions are thus seen as direct extensions of God's will.

3. Relationship with the Father: The sending of Jesus is indicative of the intimate relationship between the Father and the Son. In John 10:36, Jesus refers to Himself as the one whom the Father has sanctified and sent into the world. This relationship is characterized by unity and mutual indwelling, as seen in John 14:10, where Jesus states, "I am in the Father and the Father is in Me" .

4. Model for Believers: The concept of being sent extends to the followers of Jesus as well. In John 20:21, after His resurrection, Jesus tells His disciples, "As the Father has sent Me, so also I am sending you" . This commissioning indicates that believers are to continue the mission of Jesus, acting as His representatives in the world.

Christological Implications

The identification of Jesus as "The One He has sent" is crucial for Christology, the study of the nature and work of Christ. It affirms His pre-existence, divine origin, and unique role in God's salvific plan. The acknowledgment of Jesus as the sent one is a confession of His divinity and messianic identity, as well as an acceptance of His teachings and redemptive work.

Conclusion

The phrase "The One He has sent" encapsulates the essence of Jesus' mission and identity as portrayed in the New Testament. It highlights the divine initiative in salvation history and calls for a response of faith and obedience from believers. Through this understanding, Christians are invited to participate in the ongoing mission of God, empowered by the example and authority of Jesus Christ, the sent one.