SERIES: SENT

John 20:19–22, Philippians 2:6–8

John 20:19-22 Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. 20 And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord. 21 Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. 22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost: 

Philippians 2:6–8 “Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.”

Over the last three weeks, we’ve walked step by step through what it means to be sent by Jesus.

In Week 1, we saw that Jesus calls ordinary people and gives them a purpose that’s bigger than themselves. We don’t have to be perfect, but we are chosen.

In Week 2, we learned that He empowers us with His authority and Spirit. The mission is urgent, sometimes risky, but we never go alone—we go with God’s power at work in us. In Week 3, we discovered that He sends us to serve—to humbly put others first, to act in love, and to find true influence in service rather than status.

And now, here in Week 4, we come to the climactic moment of the series. After His resurrection, Jesus appears to His disciples and gives them the ultimate sending statement. He doesn’t just tell them to go; He gives them His peace, His authority, and His Spirit, showing them—and showing us—what it truly means to live as sent ones in the world.

This week, we’ll see that being sent isn’t just about doing tasks or checking off good deeds—it’s about being sent as Jesus was sent, carrying a message of hope, forgiveness, and life into every corner of our lives.

The main Idea today is that being sent by Jesus means living a “sent life”—carrying His peace, following His example, and relying on His Spirit to bring hope, healing, and transformation wherever He places you. True discipleship is not passive; it is active, courageous, and empowered by Christ to make His presence known in the world.

As The Father Sent Me

Introduction

Point 1: We Are Sent with Christ’s Peace

The disciples were hiding. They were afraid, uncertain, and likely still processing the trauma of the crucifixion. And then Jesus appears in their midst. What are His first words?

“Peace be unto you.” (John 20:19)

This wasn’t just a casual greeting. It was a gift—a declaration that fear doesn’t have the final word, that shame doesn’t define them, and that hope has arrived. The peace of Christ doesn’t mean everything is quiet or easy; it means that His presence overcomes our fear and prepares us for the mission ahead.

Jesus promised this peace in John 14:27: Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. 

This isn’t a temporary calm or a superficial comfort—it’s a deep, abiding peace rooted in the character and presence of Christ. Paul echoes this in Philippians 4:7:

“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Here’s the practical reality: if you’re going to live a sent life, it begins with peace in your own heart. You cannot give to the world what you do not first receive. If you are anxious, fearful, or carrying guilt, you cannot fully step into your mission. So before you go, receive Christ’s peace. Let it settle in your heart. Let it guard your mind. Let it be the foundation for everything else He sends you to do.

This peace isn’t passive—it equips you to act courageously, to speak truth boldly, and to love others faithfully, even in the most difficult circumstances. Being sent begins not with activity, but with the presence and peace of Christ in you. We Are Sent with Christ’s Peace

Point 2: We Are Sent with Christ’s Way of Evangelizing (Pattern)

Jesus tells His disciples, “As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” (John 20:21)

Pause for a moment and let that sink in. The way Jesus was sent by the Father is the same way He sends us. He’s not just giving instructions; He’s giving a pattern for mission, life, and ministry.

How was Jesus sent? Look at His example:

● He was sent in humility. Philippians 2:6–8 says that although He was in the very nature of God, He made Himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant. He humbled Himself to step into our broken world. ● He was sent in love. John 3:16 reminds us that God’s love sent Him so that the world might be saved. Every action of Jesus was motivated by love for the Father and love for people. ● He was sent to seek and save the lost. Luke 19:10 declares, “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” His mission was intentional, purposeful, and focused on reconciliation and restoration. ● He was sent to serve, not to be served. Mark 10:45 says, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Service was central to His identity and mission.

And here’s the critical point: this is our pattern too. To live a “sent life” isn’t about adding one more thing to your schedule or volunteering for the flashy ministries. It’s about living like Jesus in the everyday moments—at work, at school, at home, and in your community.

What would it look like this week to follow His pattern? Maybe it’s showing humility in a difficult conversation, offering love instead of judgment, seeking someone who feels overlooked, or serving quietly in ways that no one else notices. Every ordinary moment can be extraordinary when lived according to Jesus’ sending pattern. We Are Sent with Christ’s Way of Evangelizing (Pattern)

Point 3: We Are Sent with Christ’s Power

Verse 22 says: “And with that he breathed on them and said, ‘Receive ye the Holy Ghost.”

This isn’t just a symbolic gesture—it’s empowerment for mission. Just as God breathed life into Adam at creation, Jesus breathes new life into His disciples, equipping them for the work He’s sending them to do. This breath is the Spirit of God, the very presence and power of Christ living in us.

Jesus promised this empowerment in Acts 1:8: “You will receive power when the Holy Ghost comes on you; and you will be my witnesses…”

This power isn’t about being flashy or impressing people—it’s the strength to live faithfully, the courage to speak truth, the love to serve sacrificially, and the boldness to go where He sends us. Paul reminds us in 2 Timothy 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. 

Here’s the application: living a sent life is impossible in your own strength. Every act of courage, every word of hope, every step of faith flows from the Spirit who empowers you. You don’t go alone, and you don’t go empty-handed. You go with Christ’s presence, His Spirit, and His authority.

Think about the moments this week where you feel ill-equipped or afraid to step out. That’s exactly where the Spirit’s power is meant to meet you. When you feel weak, He is strong. When you feel unsure, He guides. Being sent isn’t optional—it’s Spirit-powered. And the Spirit is already at work in you. We Are Sent with Christ’s Power

Conclusion

Over the last four weeks, we’ve walked through what it truly means to be sent by Jesus.

● In Week 1, we learned that Jesus calls ordinary people—people like you and me—to carry out an extraordinary mission. We don’t have to be perfect; He qualifies the called. ● In Week 2, we saw that He empowers us with His Spirit and authority. The mission is urgent, sometimes risky, but we never go alone—we go with God’s power at work in us.

● In Week 3, we discovered that He sends us to serve, humbly putting others first, showing love in action, and finding true influence through obedience and service.

● And now, in Week 4, we see the culmination of it all: Jesus sends us as He was sent, with His peace, His pattern, and His power.

This is more than a concept—it’s a call to live a “sent life” every day. It’s not about waiting for the perfect moment, the perfect opportunity, or the perfect skill set. It’s about stepping out today, in your home, your workplace, your school, your neighborhood, carrying the peace of Christ, following His example, and trusting His Spirit to empower every word, every act, every conversation.

So, the real question is this: Will you go? Not someday. Not “when I’m ready.” But today. Because the world doesn’t just need another church service, another program, or another good idea. The world needs a church that is sent—a people who move beyond comfort, beyond routine, and beyond themselves to bring hope, healing, and the good news of Jesus Christ into every corner of life.

Let this be your response: I am called. I am empowered. I am sent. And I will go.

Let’s pray together. Prayer: “Father, thank You for sending Jesus. And thank You, Jesus, for sending us. Fill us with Your peace. Shape us to follow Your pattern. Empower us with Your Spirit. May we leave this place not just as hearers, but as sent ones. Here we are, Lord—send us. Amen.”