Wednesday, 20 March 2024

The Upper Room Discourse 80

Tweet

John 17:18 Just as You sent Me into the world, so I have sent them into the world.

Rabbi Trail: Who would have thought there would be 80 parts to this study on the Upper Room Discourse, and we're not done. Yeshua launched His ministry with the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7). Now, at the end of His earthly ministry, Yeshua speaks again at length in the Upper Room Discourse (John 13-17). It has been a delight to share my thoughts on His teachings. End RT.

In this one verse, Yeshua mentions being "sent into the world" twice. First, He mentions the Father (to Whom Yeshua is praying) sent Him. Secondly, He mentions He, Himself, sending the Apostles. What does it mean to be "sent into the world?" Let me give you a hint to the correct answer. To be "sent" always involves "purpose."

Just as biblical hearing always involves taking heed or obeying (we hear and are moved to act on what we heard), and biblical "keeping" is to "protect, defend, stand guard over and watch over." (See part 77) so also, biblical sending always involves purpose.

Just as Yeshua was sent with a purpose, so we also are sent with a purpose. And what is that purpose? In Hebrew we call it tikkun olam (restoration of the world). Galatians 4:4-5 But when the fullness of time came, God sent out His Son, born of a woman and born under law - to free those under law, so we might receive adoption as sons.

However, our adoption as sons is not the end of the assignment. John 3:14-15 Just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, so that whoever believes in Him may have eternal life! That's right! Our purpose is to lift Yeshua up so others will believe in Him.

In the beginning, all of humanity (which consisted of Adam and Eve) walked with God in the Garden. At the end, likewise, all of humanity will walk with God. Isaiah 45:23 By Myself I have sworn - the word has gone forth from My mouth in righteousness, and is irrevocable: that to Me every knee will bow, every tongue will swear. In the six thousand years from beginning to end, God sent His Son so we could see the perfect Man, and become like Him. (Every student emulates his/her teacher.)

We are sent with a purpose. Ephesians 2:10 For we are His workmanship - created in Messiah Yeshua for good deeds, which God prepared beforehand so we might walk in them. The purpose of these "good deeds" goes beyond making us holy. We walk in our calling, as ambassadors of the Messiah, to bring others into the faith. We are sent as His representatives on earth. Mark 9:50 Salt is good; but if the salt becomes unsalty, with what will you flavor it? Have salt in yourselves, and keep shalom with one another. Stay salty, my friends.