The Correspondence Between the Two Missions
R. Besser, D. D. John 20:21-23 Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be to you: as my Father has sent me, even so send I you.… Christ is the Arch-Missionary and the Arch-Apostle (Hebrews 3:1), at once both the Author and the first Bearer of the office; and the apostles are His successors. Christ came in His Father's name (John 5:43), and they came in Christ's name. Christ was sent that He might speak, not of Himself, but what fie had heard of the Father (John 8:27; John 14:10; John 15:15); and His servants are sent, not to preach dreams of human wisdom, but the Word of God (Jeremiah 23:16; 1 Peter 4:11). Christ was sent not to destroy but to save souls (Luke 9:56; John 3:17); and His ministers are sent with power to build up, and not to destroy (2 Corinthians 13:10). The Father worked with Christ, and left not the Son alone (John 5:17, 19; John 16:32); and Christ works with us so that our labour is not in vain. Finally, as Christ was sent, that through suffering He might enter into His glory; so also has He bequeathed His shame (Matthew 10:22), and His cross (John 21:18), but after that His glory also (Luke 22:29; comp. 1 Peter 5:1). Now, if we should all "honour the Son even as we honour the Father," so to the servants of Christ also the honour is due, that in them we honour the Lord who has sent them; as He Himself says, "He that heareth you heareth Me," &c. (R. Besser, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. WEB: Jesus therefore said to them again, "Peace be to you. As the Father has sent me, even so I send you."