Sermons on John 20:21
The various sermons below interpret John 20:21 by emphasizing the relational and missional aspects of Jesus' sending of the disciples. A common thread is the idea that the mission of the disciples is deeply rooted in the nature of God, reflecting the relational dynamics within the Godhead. This is illustrated through the parallel of Jesus breathing the Holy Spirit onto the disciples, akin to God breathing life into Adam, suggesting a new creation or regeneration. Another shared theme is the dual nature of discipleship, which involves both inward spiritual formation and outward mission. This duality is highlighted by the notion that believers are sent ones, or missionaries, in their daily lives, underscoring the importance of living with an apostolic mindset. Additionally, the intrinsic nature of being sent as part of a believer's identity is emphasized, likening it to an unchangeable aspect of one's DNA.
In contrast, the sermons diverge in their emphasis on specific theological themes. One sermon highlights the Holy Spirit's role in empowering believers for mission, drawing a parallel to the necessity of partnership in fulfilling God's mandate. Another sermon focuses on spiritual formation as a process of embodying Christ's character in one's unique life circumstances, emphasizing personal and contextual growth. A different sermon presents the theme of apostolic living, stressing the active participation of believers in God's mission, rather than being passive recipients of faith. Lastly, a sermon underscores the resurrection of Jesus as the foundation for the believer's identity and mission, suggesting that the resurrection fundamentally alters the believer's purpose and mission in life.
John 20:21 Interpretation:
Embracing the Gifts of the Risen Christ (Calgary Community Church) interprets John 20:21 by emphasizing the relational aspect of the sending. The sermon highlights that Jesus' sending of the disciples mirrors the relationship within the Godhead, suggesting that the mission of the disciples is deeply rooted in the nature of God. The sermon also draws a parallel between Jesus breathing the Holy Spirit onto the disciples and God breathing life into Adam, suggesting a new creation or regeneration through the Spirit.
Transformative Discipleship: Progressing in Christ's Likeness (Zion Church Media) interprets John 20:21 as a dual call to inward spiritual formation and outward mission. The sermon emphasizes that being sent by Jesus involves both personal transformation into Christ's likeness and active engagement in mission, reflecting the dual nature of discipleship as both inward and outward.
Living in the Victory of Jesus (The Community) interprets John 20:21 by emphasizing the concept of being sent as a missionary. The sermon highlights the Greek term "apostolos," meaning "one who is sent," and connects it to the idea that all believers are sent ones, or missionaries, in their daily lives. This interpretation underscores the importance of living with an apostolic mindset, recognizing that believers are on a mission to share the transformation they have experienced with others.
Called to Witness: The Power of Transformation (Integrity Church) interprets John 20:21 as a commissioning statement where Jesus is sending his disciples just as he was sent by the Father. The sermon emphasizes the idea that Jesus's DNA of being sent is now part of the disciples' identity. The analogy of DNA is used to illustrate that just as a child cannot change their genetic makeup, believers cannot remove the 'sent' aspect of their identity as followers of Christ. This interpretation highlights the intrinsic nature of being sent as part of a believer's identity.
John 20:21 Theological Themes:
Embracing the Gifts of the Risen Christ (Calgary Community Church) presents the theme of the Holy Spirit's role in empowering believers for mission. The sermon suggests that the Holy Spirit's presence is essential for fulfilling the mission, drawing a parallel to Adam needing Eve to fulfill the mandate of filling the earth.
Transformative Discipleship: Progressing in Christ's Likeness (Zion Church Media) introduces the theme of spiritual formation as a process of becoming who Jesus would be if he were us. This theme emphasizes the personal and contextual nature of discipleship, suggesting that spiritual growth is about embodying Christ's character in one's unique life circumstances.
Living in the Victory of Jesus (The Community) presents the theme of apostolic living, emphasizing that believers are not just passive recipients of faith but active participants in God's mission. This theme is distinct in its focus on the believer's role as a missionary, sent to share the gospel and live out their faith in every aspect of life.
Called to Witness: The Power of Transformation (Integrity Church) presents the theme that the resurrection of Jesus is the fulcrum of Christian faith and mission. The sermon emphasizes that the resurrection is not just a historical event but the foundation for the believer's identity and mission. It introduces the idea that the resurrection changes everything, including how believers view their purpose and mission in life.
John 20:21 Historical and Contextual Insights:
Transformative Power of Encountering the Risen Christ (SHPHC South Henderson Pentecostal Holiness Church) provides a historical insight into the cultural practice of locking doors in Biblical times. The sermon explains that the Greek term for "locked" implies a double locking mechanism, which was a common practice to ensure security. This context highlights the fear and anxiety the disciples felt, which Jesus addressed by appearing among them and offering peace.
John 20:21 Cross-References in the Bible:
Embracing the Gifts of the Risen Christ (Calgary Community Church) references several passages to support the interpretation of John 20:21. John 3:16 is used to illustrate the sending of Jesus by the Father, while Philippians 2:8 highlights Jesus' obedience to his mission. John 15:27 and John 14:12 are cited to emphasize the disciples' role in continuing Jesus' work and doing greater things. Romans 8:29 is mentioned to underscore the process of being conformed to Christ's image.
Transformative Discipleship: Progressing in Christ's Likeness (Zion Church Media) references Galatians 4:19 to connect the idea of being sent with the process of Christ being formed in believers. The sermon also alludes to Ephesians 4:20-24 and 2 Corinthians 4:16 to discuss the transformation and renewal of believers as part of their mission.
Living in the Victory of Jesus (The Community) references several Bible passages to support the message of being sent. John 3:16-17 is used to illustrate Jesus' mission to save the world, while Isaiah 61:1-3 describes the mission of Jesus as one of healing and liberation. The sermon also references Romans 10, emphasizing the importance of confessing Jesus as Lord and believing in His resurrection as part of the believer's mission.
Called to Witness: The Power of Transformation (Integrity Church) references Acts 1:8, where Jesus tells his disciples they will be his witnesses to the ends of the earth. This passage is used to support the idea that being a witness is a core part of the disciples' mission, as emphasized in John 20:21. The sermon also references Acts 4, where Peter and John boldly proclaim the resurrection of Jesus, illustrating the transformative power of being sent as witnesses.
John 20:21 Christian References outside the Bible:
Transformative Discipleship: Progressing in Christ's Likeness (Zion Church Media) references Dallas Willard, who describes spiritual formation as the process of becoming who Jesus would be if he were us. The sermon also quotes Augustine, emphasizing the cooperative nature of spiritual growth: "Without God we cannot, without us God will not."
Living in the Victory of Jesus (The Community) references Rick Renner Ministries, which discusses the continuation of apostolic ministry beyond the original 12 apostles. This source supports the sermon's argument that the apostolic gift has continued throughout church history and remains relevant today.
Called to Witness: The Power of Transformation (Integrity Church) references Tim Keller and JD Greer as influential figures in the conversion of Molly Worthen, a historian who became a Christian. The sermon highlights how conversations with these pastors helped Worthen come to believe in the resurrection, which she identified as the pivotal point in her faith journey.
John 20:21 Illustrations from Secular Sources:
Transformative Discipleship: Progressing in Christ's Likeness (Zion Church Media) uses the analogy of learning golf to illustrate the process of discipleship. The sermon compares watching instructional videos to actual practice, emphasizing that spiritual growth requires active engagement rather than passive learning. The sermon also uses the imagery of a trellis and honeysuckle to illustrate the role of spiritual practices in supporting growth, likening them to kindling that helps ignite a fire.
Transformative Power of Encountering the Risen Christ (SHPHC South Henderson Pentecostal Holiness Church) uses the analogy of a basketball game to illustrate the concept of midlife crises and transitions. The sermon compares the halftime adjustments made by a coach to the spiritual adjustments believers must make when they find themselves stuck or locked in by fear. This analogy helps to convey the message that Jesus can bring peace and transformation in the midst of life's challenges.
Called to Witness: The Power of Transformation (Integrity Church) uses the story of Molly Worthen, a former agnostic historian, as an illustration. Her journey to faith began with intellectual and relational engagement with Christian leaders, leading her to accept the resurrection as a historical reality. This story is used to illustrate the transformative power of the resurrection and the role of personal witness in leading others to faith.