Introduction

The Sending refers to the commissioning of the disciples by Jesus Christ to spread the Gospel and continue His work on earth. This event is pivotal in the New Testament, marking the transition from Jesus' earthly ministry to the mission of the Church. The Sending is primarily documented in the Gospels and the Acts of the Apostles, where Jesus imparts authority and responsibility to His followers.

Biblical Accounts

1. The Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20)

The most well-known account of The Sending is the Great Commission, recorded in the Gospel of Matthew. After His resurrection, Jesus appears to the eleven disciples on a mountain in Galilee. He declares, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age" (Matthew 28:18-20). This passage emphasizes the universal scope of the mission and the promise of Christ's continual presence.

2. The Sending of the Twelve (Mark 6:7-13; Luke 9:1-6)

Earlier in His ministry, Jesus sends out the twelve apostles to preach and heal. In Mark 6:7-13, He instructs them to travel in pairs, take minimal provisions, and rely on the hospitality of those they encounter. Jesus gives them authority over unclean spirits and the power to heal diseases. Similarly, in Luke 9:1-6, Jesus empowers the apostles to proclaim the Kingdom of God and perform miracles, emphasizing the spiritual and physical dimensions of their mission.

3. The Sending of the Seventy-Two (Luke 10:1-20)

In addition to the twelve apostles, Jesus appoints seventy-two others and sends them in pairs to every town and place He intends to visit. He instructs them to heal the sick and proclaim, "The kingdom of God has come near to you" (Luke 10:9). This account highlights the urgency and breadth of the mission, as well as the spiritual warfare involved, as Jesus later remarks, "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven" (Luke 10:18).

4. The Ascension and the Promise of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:6-8)

Before His ascension, Jesus reiterates the mission to His disciples, saying, "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth" (Acts 1:8). This passage underscores the role of the Holy Spirit in empowering the disciples for their global mission.

Theological Significance

The Sending is foundational for understanding the mission of the Church. It establishes the authority of Jesus as the risen Lord and the responsibility of His followers to continue His work. The Sending also highlights the Trinitarian nature of the mission, as it involves the authority of the Father, the commission of the Son, and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit.

Practical Implications

For believers, The Sending serves as a call to evangelism and discipleship. It challenges Christians to engage in the mission of spreading the Gospel, teaching, and baptizing in the name of the Triune God. The promise of Christ's presence and the power of the Holy Spirit provide assurance and strength for this task.

Conclusion

The Sending remains a central theme in Christian theology and practice, shaping the identity and mission of the Church throughout history.