SENT BY THE RISEN LORD: OUR EASTER COMMISSION

During that first Easter evening, as the disciples huddled behind locked doors—confused, fearful, and uncertain about their future—Jesus appeared among them. The Gospel of John tells us that His first words weren’t of rebuke for their abandonment or even a theological explanation of His resurrection. Instead, He spoke words of commission: “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you” (John 20:21).

This Easter commission reveals something profound about the resurrection’s purpose. Easter isn’t merely a victory to celebrate; it’s a sending forth to embrace. The empty tomb propels us outward.

The Pattern of Our Sending

Notice how Jesus frames this commission: “As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” The pattern of our sending is Christ’s own sending. This invites us to reflect: How exactly was Jesus sent?

He was sent incarnationally—entering fully into human experience, meeting people where they were. He was sent sacrificially—putting others’ needs before His comfort. He was sent truthfully—speaking God’s Word with clarity and compassion, even when it challenged cultural assumptions. And He was sent empowered by the Spirit, relying not on human strength but divine enabling.

This is our model. We’re not called to shout about the resurrection from a distance but to speak it up close to the neighbors, co-workers, and acquaintances who need its hope.

The Purpose of Our Sending

What makes this commission so compelling is that Jesus showed the disciples His wounds as He gave it. John records that “He showed them His hands and His side” (John 20:20). Why this physical demonstration?

Jesus was making it clear that the message they would carry would be costly—just as it had been for Him. Their proclamation wouldn’t merely be information to transmit but truth worth suffering for. The wounds affirmed both the reality of the resurrection and the price of proclaiming it.

The Power For Our Sending

Immediately after commissioning them, Jesus did something remarkable: “He breathed on them and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit’” (20:22). This deliberate echo of creation when God breathed life into Adam—signifies that through the Spirit, we become new creations empowered for this mission.

Jesus knew that His followers couldn’t fulfill this commission through their own eloquence, strategy, or courage. They would need supernatural empowerment. The same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead would enable their witness.

This reality transforms how we view evangelism. Sharing our faith isn’t primarily about having perfect answers or flawless presentation. It’s about being filled with and led by the Spirit who convinces hearts and opens eyes to see Jesus.

Our Response to Being Sent

In our increasingly secular age, when biblical truth is often viewed as implausible or even offensive, how do we embrace this Easter commission?

First, we proceed with a God-given boldness—not from self-confidence but from confidence in the One who sends us and the Spirit who empowers us. The resurrection assures us that the Gospel remains “the power of God for salvation” (Romans 1:16) regardless of cultural headwinds.

Second, we speak and live with authentic humility. We’re not spiritual salespeople but witnesses, sharing what we’ve experienced of God’s transforming grace. Our role isn’t to force conversion but to faithfully testify to the risen Christ.

Finally, we persist with resurrection hope. The same power that raised Jesus will one day complete His work of making all things new. We participate in that kingdom work through our witness, while recognizing that Jesus alone brings it to fulfillment.

So, this Easter, let’s remember the Lord’s powerful words: “As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” The resurrection isn’t just a historical fact to believe— it’s a commission to embrace. We are a sent people, empowered by the Spirit, continuing the mission of our risen Lord until He returns.