What does John 13:20 mean?

Explanation

John 13:20 is a verse from the Gospel of John in the New Testament of the Christian Bible.

It is a part of Jesus' farewell discourse during the Last Supper, as recorded by the apostle John.

In this verse, Jesus emphasizes the close relationship between Himself, the one He sends (His messenger or disciple), and God the Father.

Literally, Jesus is saying that accepting His messengers is akin to accepting Him, and by extension, accepting God who sent Jesus into the world.

On a deeper level, this statement affirms the divine authority of Jesus and the legitimacy of His representatives.

It also suggests a unity of purpose and essence between Jesus, His disciples, and God.

Historical Context

The Gospel of John is believed to have been written between AD 90 and 110.

The historical context is the early Christian community that is grappling with its identity and the significance of Jesus' teachings and life.

During this period, the followers of Jesus were trying to spread the message of Christ in a world that was often hostile to their teachings.

John 13:20 can be seen as a validation of the apostolic mission and an encouragement to the community to receive those messengers as they would Jesus Himself, which, in turn, means receiving God.

Theological Insights

From a Christian theological perspective, John 13:20 has several layers of insight:

• Apostolic Authority: It establishes the authority of Jesus' apostles and their successors, affirming that they carry Jesus' message with His sanction.
• The Doctrine of the Trinity: It can be viewed in the light of the Trinitarian understanding of God, where the Father, the Son (Jesus), and the Holy Spirit are distinct but not separate.
• Incarnational Theology: This verse reflects the belief that Jesus is the physical embodiment of the divine, sent by God to humanity.
• Ecclesiology: It has implications for the nature of the Church as the body of Christ, authorized to carry forth His work.

Practical Applications

Practically, this verse can be applied in several ways:

• Hospitality and openness: Encourages believers to be receptive to those who are sent to share the Christian message.
• Recognizing Authority: Teaches Christians to respect and adhere to the teachings of their church leaders, as long as they are in accordance with Jesus' teachings.
• Discernment: Calls for discernment in recognizing who truly speaks for Jesus and embodies His mission.

Cross-References

• Luke 10:16 - "He that heareth you heareth me; and he that despiseth you despiseth me; and he that despiseth me despiseth him that sent me."
• Matthew 10:40 - "He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me."
• Mark 9:37 - "Whosoever shall receive one of such children in my name, receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me, receiveth not me, but him that sent me."

Language Study

The key words in the original Greek text of John 13:20 are:

• ἀμὴν ἀμὴν (amen amen): Translated as "verily, verily" or "truly, truly," this is a formula used to emphasize the truth and importance of what follows.
• λαμβάνων (lambanon): Translated as "receiveth," this present participle conveys the act of accepting, welcoming, or receiving someone or something.
• πέμπω (pempō): Translated as "send," this identifies the sender's action to dispatch or send out with purpose or authority.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In many ancient cultures, emissaries or representatives were seen to carry the full authority of the one who sent them.

In this context, receiving a representative well was tantamount to honoring the king or ruler.

In Jewish tradition, a shaliach (emissary) had similar authority from the sender.

The idea of a divine being sending a representative can also be found in mythologies where gods would send heroes or demigods with specific missions.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific view, this verse does not directly relate to any scientific concepts, as it speaks primarily to authority, relationships, and theological principles.

However, scientific perspectives can add value to understanding historical and cultural contexts, which can indirectly influence the interpretation and application of the verse.

Commentaries

Commentators have offered various insights into John 13:20:

• Augustine of Hippo: Interpreted this passage as a lesson in humility and service in the context of Jesus washing the disciples' feet.
• John Calvin: Emphasized the close union of the Father and the Son and the authority of those sent by Jesus.
• Matthew Henry: Viewed the verse as an encouragement to those engaged in the Christian ministry that they should be treated with the respect due to their Master.
• William Barclay: Highlighted the responsibility of messengers to truly represent the one who sends them and the responsibility of believers to receive them as if they were Christ Himself.