“Jesus said to them again, ‘Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.’ And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit.’” — John 20:21-22
For most people, Easter means egg hunts, ham dinners, and maybe. if they’re feeling spiritual, a visit to a worship service to hear about the resurrection. But Easter isn’t just about what Jesus did 2,000 years ago. It’s about what He’s doing right now through you. The resurrection wasn’t the end of Jesus’ mission. It was the launching pad for ours.
Summary
Easter marks not just Jesus’ victory over death, but the moment He commissioned His followers to continue His mission on earth. As “sent ones,” Jesus followers are empowered by the same Holy Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead to make disciples, expand God’s Kingdom, and carry on the work Jesus began. This blog post explores Jesus’ unwavering commitment to His mission, what it means to be sent as He was sent, and how the Holy Spirit empowers us to live as His ambassadors. The resurrection changes everything!
Jesus: The Original “Sent One”
Before we talk about being sent, we need to understand who sent us and why.
Throughout the Gospels, Jesus repeatedly identified Himself as the “sent one.” He didn’t come on His own initiative, He was sent by the Father on a specific mission.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.” — John 3:16-17 (ESV)
Jesus was laser-focused on this mission. When people tried to distract Him, He redirected. When His disciples misunderstood His purpose, He corrected them. When opposition came, He pressed forward. Look at what He said:
“My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work.” — John 4:34 (ESV)
“I can do nothing on my own. As I hear, I judge, and my judgment is just, because I seek not my own will but the will of him who sent me.” — John 5:30 (ESV)
Jesus’ entire life, from birth to death to resurrection, was defined by His commitment to the mission the Father gave Him. He didn’t get sidetracked. He didn’t quit when things got hard. He didn’t compromise when the pressure mounted. He stayed committed to the mission, all the way to the cross. And then, three days later, He rose from the dead and passed the mission on to us.
Easter: The Moment Everything Changed
Close your eyes and picture the evening of the Resurrection. The disciples are huddled in a locked room, terrified. They’ve just watched their leader be executed. They’re thinking that they’ll be next, that everything they believed in died with Jesus on that cross.
Then suddenly, Jesus appears. Not as a ghost. Not as a memory. But physically present, scars and all. And what’s the first thing He says? “Peace be with you.” Then He shows them His hands and His side, proof that He really died and really rose. The disciples immediately go from terror to joy. But Jesus isn’t done.
“Jesus said to them again, ‘Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.’ And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit.’” — John 20:21-22 (ESV)
This is the Great Commission in John’s Gospel. Jesus is saying: “The same way the Father sent me into the world with a mission, I’m now sending you. The work I came to do, you’re going to continue it. The mission I’ve been committed to, it’s now yours.”
Then He breathes on them, an reminder of Genesis 2 when God breathed life into Adam, and gives them the Holy Spirit.
What Does It Mean to Be “Sent”?
So what exactly does it mean to be sent as Jesus was sent? Let’s look at what Jesus commissioned His followers to do. We find variations of the Great Commission in all four Gospels and Acts:
Matthew’s Version:
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” — Matthew 28:19-20 (ESV)
Mark’s Version:
“Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.” — Mark 16:15 (ESV)
Luke’s Version:
“Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem.” — Luke 24:46-47 (ESV)
John’s Version:
“As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” — John 20:21 (ESV)
Acts’ Version:
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” — Acts 1:8 (ESV)
Notice the common themes:
- GO – We’re not called to sit and wait or invite people to come to us. We’re called to move.
- ALL NATIONS – The mission is global, not local only.
- MAKE DISCIPLES – Not just converts, but followers who follow.
- PROCLAIM THE GOSPEL – Share the good news of what Jesus has done.
- TEACH OBEDIENCE – Help people learn to live like Jesus did.
- BAPTIZE – Bring people into the family of God.
- BE WITNESSES – Let your life demonstrate what Jesus has done.
Being sent means we continue the work Jesus started. We go where He would go. We love who He would love. We serve who He would serve. We proclaim what He proclaimed. Do you see yourself as “sent” by Jesus, or do you see faith as something private and personal that doesn’t require action?
The Holy Spirit: Our Power Source
Now here’s the crucial part that we often miss: Jesus didn’t just give us a mission and wish us luck. He gave us the Holy Spirit. Look at what Jesus promised right before He ascended:
“And behold, I am sending the promise of my Father upon you. But stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.” — Luke 24:49 (ESV)
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses…” — Acts 1:8 (ESV)
The disciples were told to wait. Not to strategize. Not to plan. Not to organize. But to wait for the Holy Spirit. Why? Because without the Holy Spirit, the mission is impossible.
They were ordinary people. They had no formal training, no money, no political power, no social influence. They were nobodies from nowhere trying to change the world with a message about a crucified Messiah. Humanly speaking, they had zero chance of success.
But then came Pentecost. The Holy Spirit rushed in like a mighty wind, filled them with power, and everything changed. The same disciples who had hidden in fear boldly proclaimed the gospel. The men who had denied and abandoned Jesus now stood before authorities and declared, “We must obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29).
The Holy Spirit changed everything. The same Spirit who empowered them also empowers us.
“Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?” — 1 Corinthians 3:16 (ESV)
When you became a Christian, the Holy Spirit took up residence in you. The same Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead now lives in you (Romans 8:11). The same Spirit who empowered the early church empowers you.
This means:
- You’re not doing this in your own strength
- You have access to divine power
- You can do things you could never do on your own
- The mission isn’t dependent on your ability, but on God’s
Are you trying to live the Christian life and fulfill God’s mission in your own strength, or are you relying on the power of the Holy Spirit?
Christ in Us: Continuing His Mission
Here’s the beautiful mystery of the Christian life: Jesus doesn’t just send us out alone. He goes with us. Paul explains it this way:
“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” — Galatians 2:20 (ESV)
“To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” — Colossians 1:27 (ESV)
Christ in you. Through the Holy Spirit, Jesus Himself dwells in us. We’re not just following His example. He’s living His life through us. This changes everything about the mission. When we share the gospel, it’s Christ in us speaking. When we love the unlovable, it’s Christ in us loving. When we serve the least of these, it’s Christ in us serving. When we make disciples, it’s Christ in us making disciples.
We’re not trying to do what Jesus would do. We’re allowing Jesus to do through us what He wants to do. This is what it means to walk in His steps. Not mimicking His behavior from 2,000 years ago, but letting Him live His life through us today.
What This Looks Like Practically
So what does it actually mean to be a “sent one” in everyday life?
1. You See Every Interaction as Part of the Mission
When you understand you’re sent, you stop seeing your daily life as separate from your spiritual life. The grocery store becomes a mission field. Your workplace is your ministry. You start asking: “God, who have you put in my life today that needs to encounter Your love?”
2. You Intentionally Build Relationships with Non-Christians
Many Christians only have Christian friends. But if we’re sent to the world, we need to actually be in the world. Jesus was criticized for eating with sinners. Are you? If not, you might be missing the mission.
3. You Share Your Story
Being a witness doesn’t mean you have to be a professional evangelist. It means you tell people what Jesus has done in your life. What has God saved you from? How has He changed you? What difference does He make in your daily life? That’s your story. Share it.
4. You Make Disciples, Not Just Converts
Jesus didn’t say “make converts.” He said “make disciples.” A disciple is someone who follows Jesus, learns from Him, and becomes like Him. That takes time, relationship, and intentionality. Who are you discipling? Who’s walking with you as you follow Jesus?
5. You Go Where God Sends You
Maybe that’s across the ocean. Maybe it’s across the street. Maybe it’s to a different career. Maybe it’s just to have a conversation with your neighbor. The key is listening to the Holy Spirit and being willing to go when He sends.
6. You Live as an Ambassador
Paul writes:
“Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.” — 2 Corinthians 5:20 (ESV)
An ambassador represents their home country in a foreign land. You’re a citizen of heaven living in a foreign land called earth. Your job is to represent your King well. How you treat people, how you handle conflict, how you do your job, how you speak, it all matters because you represent Jesus.
The Urgency of the Mission
This mission matters. It has an eternal component. Jesus said:
“And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” — Matthew 24:14 (ESV)
People are dying without knowing Jesus. Friends, family members, neighbors, coworkers etc. they’re one breath away from eternity, and many of them don’t know the only One who can save them. It’s not optional. It’s the mission Jesus died and rose to accomplish, and He’s entrusted it to us.
Hudson Taylor, the famous missionary to China, said: “The Great Commission is not an option to be considered; it is a command to be obeyed.”
Will You Answer the Call?
Do you see yourself as sent? Or do you see yourself as just a consumer of spiritual goods and services?
Are you fulfilling the mission Jesus gave you? Or are you just living for comfort, security, and personal happiness?
Are you relying on the Holy Spirit’s power? Or are you trying to do everything in your own strength?
Is Christ living through you? Or are you just trying to be a good person who happens to believe in Jesus?
Easter celebrates the fact that Jesus completed His mission. He came to seek and save the lost. He went to the cross, died for our sins, and rose victorious over death. But the mission isn’t over. It’s just shifted to us.
We are now the sent ones. We are now His hands and feet in the world. We are now the ones carrying the message of reconciliation to a world that desperately needs it. The same Jesus who was committed to His mission is now living in you, ready to continue that mission through you. The question is: will you let Him?
A Challenge
Here are some specific steps to take this Easter season:
1. Pray for the Holy Spirit’s Power
Every morning start your day by praying: “Holy Spirit, fill me afresh today. Give me your power. Use me for your mission.”
2. Identify Your “Jerusalem”
Acts 1:8 says to start in Jerusalem…where you are. Who are the people in your immediate circle who need Jesus? Write down 3-5 names. Pray for them daily. Look for opportunities to share your faith with them.
3. Share Your Story This Easter
Easter gives you a perfect opportunity to tell others what Easter means to you. Don’t overthink it, just share.
4. Take One Step Outside Your Comfort Zone
What is God asking you to do that scares you? Have that conversation. Serve in that way. Go to that place. Take the step.
5. Find Someone to Disciple
Who can you invest in? Who can you teach to follow Jesus? Make a commitment to walk with someone else on this journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Doesn’t the Great Commission apply only to pastors and missionaries?
A: No. Jesus gave this command to all His disciples. Every believer is called to be a witness and make disciples where they are.
Q: What if I don’t feel equipped or qualified to share my faith?
A: The first disciples didn’t feel equipped either, that’s why Jesus told them to wait for the Holy Spirit. You’re not doing this in your own strength. The Holy Spirit will give you the words, the courage, and the power you need. Your job is to be available and willing.
Q: How do I know where God is sending me?
A: Start where you are. God has already put people in your life; family, neighbors, coworkers, friends. Begin there. Pray, listen to the Holy Spirit, and take the next step He shows you.
Q: What if I try to share my faith and people reject me?
A: Jesus was rejected too. But remember, your job isn’t to save people, that’s God’s job. Your job is to be faithful in sharing. Don’t let fear of rejection keep you from obeying.
Q: I’m not good at evangelism. Can I still be part of the mission?
A: The mission is bigger than just evangelism. It includes serving, loving, discipling, giving, praying, and going. Don’t use “I’m not good at evangelism” as an excuse to never share your faith. Even if it’s uncomfortable, we’re all called to be witnesses.
Q: How can I disciple someone when I’m still learning myself?
A: You don’t have to be perfect or have all the answers. Find someone a step or two behind you on the journey and help them follow Jesus. Share what you’re learning. Study the Bible together. Pray together. Grow together.
Related Scripture for Further Study
- Matthew 28:18-20 – The Great Commission
- John 20:19-23 – Jesus sends the disciples
- Acts 1:4-8 – The promise of the Holy Spirit
- Acts 2:1-41 – Pentecost and the birth of the church
- Romans 8:9-11 – The Spirit of God dwells in you
- 2 Corinthians 5:17-21 – We are ambassadors for Christ
- Ephesians 2:10 – Created for good works
- Philippians 2:12-13 – God works in us
- Colossians 1:24-29 – Christ in you, the hope of glory
- 1 Peter 2:9 – You are a chosen people to proclaim His excellencies
The Bottom Line
This Easter, don’t just celebrate what Jesus did. Celebrate what He’s doing, through you. You are sent. Not because you’re qualified, but because Jesus chose you. Not in your own strength, but empowered by the Holy Spirit. Not to do your own thing, but to continue the mission Jesus began.
The resurrection wasn’t the end of the story. It was the beginning of yours. So go. Be sent. Make disciples. Share the gospel. Love people. Serve sacrificially. Live boldly. The mission continues, and you are a part of it.
Take Action:
If this post challenged you, here’s what to do next:
- Commit: Tell God you’re willing to be sent. Pray the prayer: “Here I am, Lord. Send me.”
- Listen: Ask the Holy Spirit to show you where He’s sending you and who He wants you to reach.
- Start: Don’t wait until you feel ready. Take one step this week toward fulfilling your mission.
- Connect: Join us at Center Barnstead Christian Church where we’re equipping people to live as sent ones for Jesus.
Questions about God’s mission? Contact us here or join us this Sunday. We’d love to help you discover where God is sending you.
