We've been talking about the incarnation and exploring the theology of it in John chapter 1, primarily verse 14. Today we are going to begin applying this theology
John 20:21
21 Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.”
Here in John 20 Jesus is giving a quick commission of sorts to his followers. Prior to sending them however, he bases their commission in the commission Jesus himself was given from the Father—"As the Father is sending me...". What does this mean? I think the idea of incarnational living is in play here. Just as Jesus was sent to live on earth (not just visit with a flash of brilliance, impress then disappear), with humans (not as solely God, but both God and man), in a similar way Jesus expects his followers to go and make disciples. It seems to me the implication of this is that we ought to do ministry like Jesus did ministry. Obviously there are differences because he is God and we are not, but there are many aspects of Jesus' life and ministry that we should seek to imitate.
Jesus didn't just tell them to this however, he modeled it in his ministry and not only in the relatively intangible incarnation. Throughout his ministry Jesus continued to travel and meet people where they were. He never set up a home base with show times at 5 and 7 for people to come from far and wide to witness his great miracles and profound teaching. The marketing poster writes itself. Instead he continued to meet people where they were. In fact when it seemed as if he was beginning to draw a large following he said some stuff that caused most of the crowds to abandon him. (check out John 6 for that story)
Jesus also seemed to be quite comfortable going against social taboos to reach people. He didn't hesitate to eat dinner in the house of a tax collector (a despised occupation in 1st century Israel).
Matthew 9:9–13
9 As Jesus passed on from there, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, “Follow me.” And he rose and followed him. 10 And as Jesus reclined at table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and were reclining with Jesus and his disciples. 11 And when the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” 12 But when he heard it, he said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. 13 Go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.”
This encounter led to Matthew becoming one of Jesus' 12 disciples. Challenging taboos was a feature of Jesus' ministry. In John 4 he sits at a well and speaks with a Samaritan woman to the surprise of his disciples (John 4:1-30). In Luke 19 he insists on staying at the home of the chief tax collector in Jericho, Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1-10).
From these events in Jesus' life it's obvious that he was not afraid to "go there", not just in conversation but location as well. Jesus went there because, as he states here, calling sinners to believe his kingdom message was the reason he came. For Jesus to accomplish this mission he had to go there regardless of social pressure, danger, and distance.
Additional Content
Reflection
Are there any places where you are naturally hesitant to go? why? Is it a certain city or state because of their politics? Is it a certain type of person because of preconceived notions you have of them? Is it a certain house, neighborhood or environment because of the loss of luxuries? Do some honest reflection on this. Repent of the areas you find sinful. Surrender this to God and push your "yes" across the negotiating table to him and his any call to send you.