Sent Identity

If you were lying on your deathbed with your family and friends surrounding you, what message would you want to convey to them? Would you tell them how much you loved them? Share memories? Give them advice? Imagine yourself in Jesus’ place, just before he was crucified, having His last supper with His disciples. What would you tell them? 

In John 17:18, Jesus expresses his desire for his disciples:

18 As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world.

Just as God sent Jesus to accomplish his kingdom’s work, we are now sent to share the good news of God’s kingdom with all people. This is the pattern Jesus gave us. His message continues even after his resurrection. The command is reiterated in John 20:21:

“Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” JOHN 20:21

Jesus must have felt it was very important information for us to know to say it twice! As His followers, we are sent by God to represent his kingdom and proclaim the gospel. The New Testament describes us using various terms,such as witnesses, heralds, members of the royal priesthood, servants, ambassadors, living stones, soldiers, farmers, athletes, mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, friends, and family. Let’s take a look at what it specifically means to be a witness.

The BibleProject defines a witness as “someone who sees something important or amazing.” When a person shares their experiences, they are “bearing witness.”  In Hebrew, the word for witness is “uwd.” When the Israelites were delivered from Pharaoh’s oppressive rule, God wanted them to “uwd” or represent what they saw and experienced to others. 

In the New Testament, Jesus sends out his disciples as witnesses to all nations. The disciples received this commission and shared the good news of a new King who conquered death and brought hope of a new creation. From the first century to the present day, being messengers of this good news has been God’s method for bringing His love and grace to the world.

How do you feel knowing God has sent you into the world to make a difference? Make a list of both positive and negative responses. How can you live out this identity more fully?

One of the ways we can grow in our ability to be a witness for Jesus is by developing a   “Micro Testimony”  A micro testimony is a brief story about how God has worked in your life. Help one of your volunteers work through this exercise. Pray that God gives them an opportunity to share it with someone in the next week.