What does John 17:18 mean?

Explanation

John 17:18 is part of what is often referred to as the High Priestly Prayer, a prayer that Jesus prays for His disciples shortly before His crucifixion.

In this specific verse, Jesus is speaking to God the Father and makes a significant statement about the purpose and mission of His disciples.

Literally, Jesus is affirming that just as God the Father sent Him into the world, He is sending His disciples into the world with a mission.

On a deeper level, this verse underscores the continuation of Jesus' mission through His followers. It captures the essence of apostolic succession, where the disciples are entrusted with the responsibility to carry on the work that Jesus began.

This implies a divine mandate for the disciples, and by extension all believers, to be His representatives on earth, sharing the message of the Gospel and living out the principles of the Kingdom of God.

Historical Context

John 17:18 is part of the narrative found in the Gospel of John, written approximately between AD 90 and 110.

This Gospel was authored at a time when early Christians were facing persecution and needed reassurance of Jesus' divine nature and His continuing presence with them through the Holy Spirit.

The verse reflects the imminent departure of Jesus from the world through His crucifixion and resurrection, and sets the stage for the disciples' role in the early church.

Historically, the Christian community at this time was beginning to spread throughout the Roman Empire and was often at odds with both Jewish religious authorities and Roman political governance.

This historical context emphasizes the significance of Jesus sending His disciples into a world that might be hostile to their message.

Theological Insights

Theologically, John 17:18 holds various levels of significance:

1. Missiology: It is seen as a foundational text for understanding the Christian mission.

Jesus is commissioning His followers to continue His work, which involves preaching, teaching, and living out the principles of the Gospel.

1. Christology: The verse highlights the close relationship between Jesus and the Father, signifying that Jesus' sending is directly aligned with the Father's will, suggesting a strong theological claim about the unity between Jesus and the Father.

2. Ecclesiology: From a church perspective, this verse is vital in understanding the role of the church in the world, as it shows that the purpose of the disciples (and by extension the church) is inextricably linked to Jesus' purpose.

3. Soteriology: It also has implications for the doctrine of salvation, as it illustrates the means by which God's redemptive plan is furthered through the proclamation of the Gospel by believers.

Practical Applications

Practical applications of John 17:18 include:

1. Evangelism: A call for Christians to actively share their faith, recognizing that they are sent by Christ just as He was sent by the Father.

2. Social justice: As Jesus was sent to bring hope and healing, Christians are encouraged to engage in works of compassion and justice.

3. Discipleship: Emphasis on the importance of following Jesus' teachings and example in personal behavior and community life.

4. Unity: Christians are reminded to strive for unity with one another, just as Jesus and the Father are one, which is critical in a world of division.

Cross-References

• John 20:21: "Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you."
• Matthew 28:19-20: "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world."
• Luke 4:43: "And he said unto them, I must preach the kingdom of God to other cities also: for therefore am I sent."

Language Study

In the original Greek text, the word for "sent" is "ἀπέστειλα" (apesteyla) from the root word "ἀποστέλλω" (apostellō), meaning to send out, to send forth, or to send away.

The use of this verb implies an authoritative sending, akin to the dispatching of an envoy with a specific commission.

This emphasizes the authoritative and purpose-driven aspect of Jesus sending the disciples.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Within other cultural and religious traditions, the motif of being "sent" or chosen by a higher power for a special task is not uncommon.

For example, in Islam, the concept of prophethood involves messengers being sent by Allah to guide humanity.

Similarly, in various mythologies, heroes are often depicted as being chosen by the gods for certain quests or to convey divine messages.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, the verse may not directly intersect with empirical findings or data-driven theories.

However, the concept of being "sent into the world" can perhaps be metaphorically applied to the influence and spread of ideas and behaviors within a population, a study that might fall under the disciplines of anthropology or sociology.

Commentaries

Biblical commentators have historically seen John 17:18 as central to Jesus' prayer for unity and mission:

1. Matthew Henry: He underscores that just as Christ had a work to do on earth, He has appointed His disciples to carry on that work, and it's to be done in the world, not out of it.

2. William Barclay: Barclay notes the costly nature of being sent just as Jesus was, to be sent to serve, to suffer, and to bring the love of God to men.

3. D. A. Carson: Carson speaks of this verse within the context of missional theology, noting that the disciples' mission is not something they conceived but something for which they were sent.

These views highlight the importance of the disciples’ alignment with Jesus' mission and the gravity of their apostolic calling.