In Touch Daily Devotional
by Dr. Charles Stanley

April 10, 2008 - Because He Came, We Must Go - John 20:19-23

Can you imagine the intensity that must have filled the room when Jesus appeared to His disciples in John chapter 20:19-23? The disciples spent days in hiding. They were afraid for their lives. They were mourning the loss of their Master. So, the followers of Christ were stunned to see Him standing before them in a locked room.

If the shock of His appearance wasn't enough, think about the statement He made from John chapter 20:21. "As the Father has sent me, I also send you". The weight of that comment must have seemed overwhelming.

After years of hearing Jesus talk about His divine purpose, the disciples were given a similar commission. The Father had sent Jesus. Jesus was sending them into the world to spread the gospel. The disciples were to heal the sick, serve the needy, and bring glory to the Father.

Many Christians read that passage and think, I'm sure glad I wasn't there to receive those "marching orders." But you were. That room didn't house just the 11 remaining apostles.

Luke chapter 24:33 reveals many other followers were "with them." So in John chapter 20:21, when Jesus said, "I also send you," He was talking to the whole body of believers.

Two thousand years later, this same commission still applies to you and me. Jesus' command in Matthew 28:19 to make disciples "of all the nations" is too big a job for a handful of individuals.

It's a call for every believer, in every country, in every generation to accept the mission anew. Christ is sending you somewhere for a purpose, whether in your backyard or halfway around the globe. Are you ready to go?