A third area in which I am to pattern my life after Christ is in the area of mission. This is stated explicitly in Christ’s word to His disciples after the resurrection: As the Father has sent me, I am sending you (John 20:21, NIV). Throughout His earthly life Jesus Christ considered Himself an Emissary sent by the Father (John 17:3). He came to witness for His heavenly Father, to represent His heavenly Father to men. He came to convey to men a steady stream of truth from His Father. The love that He showed was the Father’s love unveiled in human flesh. He declared the Father (John 1:18).
In the same sense, but on a lesser scale, I am to witness to Jesus Christ. My function in life is to tell the good news concerning Him, to reveal His personality in me, to share His death and resurrection with others in order that they also might share the salvation that is available. But I cannot do that in my own strength, by my own will, or as a result of my own abilities and talents. I must be authorized and empowered by Another, even as Jesus Christ was by His Father.
John 17 is the great transference chapter. There Jesus Christ was going back to the Father, and He transmitted His work to His disciples (and to us). I cannot read verses 11–19 without sensing the thrill of continuity; I am part of an ongoing mission. Jesus Christ started the missionary explosion, and all His disciples are expected to keep it going. All heaven’s authority and power are behind me as I go, whether that mission field is my immediate environment or a remote country of earth (Matthew 28:18–20). Like my Master, Jesus Christ, I am a sent one also!
As Thou didst send Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world (John 17:18).
Daily with the King 