John 13:20
Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that receiveth whomsoever I send receiveth me; and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me.
John 13:20
In verse 20, Jesus expands the idea of sending: receiving those He sends is effectively receiving Jesus, and receiving Jesus is receiving the Father who sent Him. This establishes a chain of divine mission: the Father sends the Son; the Son sends His representatives; those who receive them are aligning with God’s purpose. The text underscores participation in God’s mission as essential to the life of faith. It also emphasizes how legitimacy and authority flow through divine appointment, and how hospitality to sent messengers is, in effect, hospitality to God.
This verse reinforces the unity of the Trinity’s mission and the church’s participation in it. It clarifies the nature of discipleship as pursuit of God’s agenda in the world, not merely private belief. It also addresses the seriousness of rejection and reception in the life of the community—how we treat messengers reflects how we treat the One who sent them.
Practically, this invites Christians to welcome and cooperate with those who carry God’s message or serve in His name—pastors, missionaries, volunteers, and ordinary believers using gifts for others. It also cautions against cynicism or hostility toward those who represent God’s work in your context. A concrete practice: when someone invited to lead a group or share about their work, approach with an open heart, pray for discernment, and engage with humility. Your reception of a messenger can become an act of faith, bridging gaps between the church and the world.
Cross-References: Matthew 10:40; Romans 10:15; 2 Corinthians 5:20; Galatians 4:14; 1 Thessalonians 4:8