There are many who will be thinking of the birth of Christ this week. Though the Bible does not say when Jesus was born, I'm glad people will be thinking about Him. This time of year provides an excellent opportunity to open a discussion with our denominational friends, family members, and coworkers who might talk about it. The words, "send", or "sent," appear forty one times in the gospel of John referring to the Father sending Jesus into the world. That is quite a lot for a twenty one chapter book. When something is repeated often, it is usually for emphasis. In this way, John's inspired biography of Jesus is distinct from the other three. Early in John's gospel, we are given this good news: For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved (John 3:17 NKJV).
I encourage you to go through the book of John and circle each time you see the word "sent" or "send." These forty one passages refer to the mission of Jesus Christ, as well as reflect the graciousness of God in sending Him to be the propitiation for our sins. Most folks are eager to hear about what happened; namely, Jesus being born. But some stop there without appreciating why He was born. John's gospel emphasizes that Jesus was sent to do His Father's will: For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me (John 6:38).
God's will is that everyone will respond appropriately to His sending of His Son: Jesus answered and said to them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent” (John 6:29). However, God has left the choice up to us. Belief in Jesus is more than a mental assent (James 2:19). It is an obedient faith (Romans 1:5) that fully relies upon Christ as our Lord and Savior. If we have this kind of faith and obey God's will, Jesus says, And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day” (John 6:40).
Because the Father sent His Son, everyone has the opportunity to have eternal life (John 3:16). This is indeed "good tidings of great joy!" There is never a bad time to talk about Jesus. You may see your neighbor outside and a nativity scene in his yard. Why not say something like, "Hey, we're going to be talking about Jesus this Sunday at worship services. Wanna come with us?" Or if your coworker mentions she is going to a Christmas play at her church, you might say, "It sounds like you care about spiritual things. Would you like to get together and study the Bible sometime?"
After Jesus ascended back to the Father, He sent others into the world with this message of hope. So, Jesus said to them again, “Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you” (John 20:21). Today, we also have the opportunity to speak glad tidings of good things. Will you be a worker in the kingdom of heaven? Also, I heard the voice of the Lord, saying: “Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?” Then I said, “Here am I! Send me” (Isaiah 6:8).
Brotherly, Jamie
