Commentary on John 17:18

Bible Verse: "As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world." - John 17:18

Introduction

This profound verse is situated within the context of the High Priestly Prayer of Jesus, where He intercedes for His disciples and all believers. The significance of being sent is central to the ministry of Jesus and establishes a model for how His followers are to live and serve in the world. The insights drawn from various public domain commentaries illuminate the theological and practical implications embedded within this verse.

Contextual Analysis

John 17:18 is part of a larger prayer that emphasizes the relationship between Jesus, His Father, and His followers. Here, Jesus explicitly states that He has been sent into the world with a divine mission, paralleling the sending of His disciples for their mission. Adam Clarke elaborates on this by noting the purpose of Jesus’ incarnation, which was to bring salvation to humanity.

Theological Implications

• The Sending of Jesus:

  Matthew Henry underscores that Jesus was sent not merely as a teacher, but as the Savior of the world. His divine mission was predestined and fulfilled in the incarnation and atoning work. This underscores the gravity of His ministry and the divine authority with which He spoke and acted.

• Apostolic Mission:

  Albert Barnes highlights that just as Jesus was sent with a purpose, so too are His disciples. They are to continue His work, spreading the gospel message and embodying His teachings. This divine sending includes a responsibility to be representatives of Christ in a world that often stands in opposition to His values.

• World Engagement:

  Clarke further comments that being sent into the world implies engagement with it; believers are not isolated from culture or society, but rather are called to interact with it, influencing communities with the values and teachings of Christ.

Practical Applications

The doctrine encapsulated in this verse has real-world implications for the lifestyle and ministry of Christians today. Below are several applications derived from the commentaries.

• Mission Mindedness:

  Every believer is called to recognize their identity as a sent one. This implies an active engagement in mission, whether through evangelism, service, or acts of love within the community, echoing the model of Christ’s sending.

• Integrity of Witness:

  Henry asserts that the authenticity of the Christian witness is paramount. Living out one’s faith in a manner that reflects Christ's nature is vital in fulfilling the call to be sent into the world.

• Equipped for Service:

  Barnes encourages believers to seek spiritual maturity and understanding, which equips them for their purpose in the world. This includes prayer, study of Scripture, and fellowship with other believers to foster growth.

Conclusion

John 17:18 encapsulates a crucial element of the Christian faith: the call to be sent into the world. Both the challenge and the encouragement found within this verse invite pastors, students, theologians, and scholars to delve deeper into their understanding of mission. As Jesus was sent with purpose, so believers today are tasked with the sacred responsibility of representing Him in every sphere of influence. The insights from the commentaries of Matthew Henry, Albert Barnes, and Adam Clarke provide powerful reminders that the mission is not just a task, but a way of life rooted in the very essence of the Gospel.