Commentary on John 13:20

John 13:20 states, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that receiveth whomsoever I send receiveth me; and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me." This verse encapsulates the profound relationship between Christ, His apostles, and God the Father. It serves as a pivotal moment during the Last Supper, emphasizing the authority of Christ and the importance of reception of His messengers.

Contextual Analysis

To thoroughly understand John 13:20, it is important to consider the context in which Jesus delivered these words. This verse falls within the Farewell Discourse, where Jesus prepares His disciples for His impending departure. It reveals His intended message about the authority of His messengers and the connection between receiving them and receiving Himself and the Father.

Theological Implications

The verse illustrates key theological principles:

• Authority of Christ: Jesus distinguishes Himself as the one who sends His disciples, making it clear that their message carries divine authority. According to Matthew Henry, to reject the disciples is to reject Christ Himself, highlighting the seriousness of this directive.
• Unity of the Father and the Son: Adam Clarke notes that the reception of Christ is intrinsically linked to the reception of God the Father, demonstrating the unity within the Trinity and the divine intention that Christ represents the Father on Earth.
• Disciples' Role as Messengers: Albert Barnes emphasizes the role of the disciples—those who are sent by Christ must bear His message faithfully. Their acceptance is essential for the spread of the Gospel, and their authority is derived from their relationship with Jesus.

Examination of Key Terms

This verse contains significantly weighty terms that deserve further exploration:

• "Verily, verily": The repetition of "verily" indicates the importance of what is being said. It is a phrase used by Jesus to affirm the truthfulness of His statement (Henry).
• "Receiveth": To receive denotes welcoming and accepting the message and messengers sent. According to Clarke, this implies a personal and communal responsibility to accept the teachings of the apostles.
• "Send": The act of sending conveys authority and purpose. Jesus, as the sender, implies that those sent (the apostles) are acting on His behalf, bringing His message to the world.

Practical Applications

For pastors, theologians, and scholars, the implications of John 13:20 are profound:

• Understanding Authority: Recognizing the authority that comes from Christ to His disciples—pastors today should approach their call with humility and a sense of divine purpose, knowing that they are representatives of Christ's message.
• Emphasizing Reception: Churches should cultivate a culture of receiving those God sends, fostering an environment where the message of hope and salvation can flourish.
• Trinitarian Theology: Engage in deeper study of the relationships within the Trinity, understanding how Christ’s words here affirm the unity and distinctiveness of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Conclusion

In summary, John 13:20 serves as a powerful reminder of the authority of Christ and His messengers. It calls for a reception of the Gospel that recognizes the deep connection between Jesus, the Father, and those He sends out to share His message. For modern believers, this means embracing their role in the Great Commission, acting as conduits of God’s grace and truth in a world that desperately needs it.