Topical Encyclopedia The phrase "The One who sent Him" is a significant theological concept found throughout the New Testament, particularly in the Gospel of John. It refers to God the Father, who sent Jesus Christ, His Son, into the world for the purpose of salvation and the revelation of divine truth. This concept underscores the mission and authority of Jesus as the Messiah and the divine Son of God.Biblical References: 1. John 5:23-24 : "that all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father. Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him. Truly, truly, I tell you, whoever hears My word and believes Him who sent Me has eternal life and will not come under judgment. Indeed, he has crossed over from death to life." In this passage, Jesus emphasizes the unity and equality between Himself and the Father. The honor given to the Son is directly linked to the honor given to the Father, highlighting the divine authority and mission of Jesus as the one sent by God. 2. John 6:38-39 : "For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me. And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that I shall lose none of those He has given Me, but raise them up at the last day." Here, Jesus articulates His submission to the Father's will, emphasizing His role as the obedient Son who fulfills the divine plan of redemption. The mission of Jesus is portrayed as a heavenly mandate, with the ultimate goal of securing eternal life for believers. 3. John 7:28-29 : "Then Jesus, still teaching in the temple courts, cried out, 'You know Me, and you know where I am from. I have not come on My own, but He who sent Me is true. You do not know Him, but I know Him because I am from Him and He sent Me.'" In this declaration, Jesus asserts His divine origin and the authenticity of His mission. The relationship between Jesus and the Father is one of intimate knowledge and purpose, distinguishing Jesus as the true representative of God on earth. 4. John 8:16 : "But even if I do judge, My judgment is true, because I am not alone; I am with the Father who sent Me." Jesus speaks of His judgments as being in perfect harmony with the Father, reinforcing the idea that His actions and teachings are divinely sanctioned. The presence of the Father with Jesus affirms the legitimacy and truth of His ministry. 5. John 12:44-45 : "Then Jesus cried out, 'Whoever believes in Me does not believe in Me alone, but in the One who sent Me. And whoever sees Me sees the One who sent Me.'" This statement encapsulates the unity between Jesus and the Father, where belief in Jesus is equated with belief in God. The visible manifestation of God in Jesus is a central theme, revealing the character and nature of the Father through the Son. Theological Significance: The concept of "The One who sent Him" is foundational to understanding the identity and mission of Jesus Christ. It affirms the divine origin and authority of Jesus, as well as His role as the mediator between God and humanity. The sending of Jesus by the Father is an expression of divine love and purpose, aimed at the redemption and reconciliation of the world. This theme also highlights the Trinitarian relationship within the Godhead, where the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit work in perfect unity to accomplish the divine will. The obedience of Jesus to the Father serves as a model for believers, calling them to live in accordance with God's will and to recognize the authority of Jesus as the sent One. |