John 13:20 Meaning and Explanation
“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that receiveth whomsoever I send receiveth me; and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →To receive a messenger of Jesus is to receive Jesus, and to receive Jesus is to receive the Father who sent him.
What Does John 13:20 Mean?
A second double amen follows close on the first. Having humbled his messengers (verse 16), Jesus now dignifies them beyond measure: whoever receives one whom he sends receives him, and whoever receives him receives the Father (Matthew 10:40). The chain of sending carries a chain of presence.
The timing is tender. These men will scatter within hours, and one will deny him, yet Jesus binds his honor to theirs in advance. Ordinary disciples carry an extraordinary identification: to welcome them is, in heaven's accounting, to welcome the Son and the Father who sent him. That ennobles every messenger Christ sends, and it sobers everyone who hears one, for how we receive those he sends is how we receive him.
Frequently Asked Questions About John 13:20
What does John 13:20 mean?
To receive a messenger of Jesus is to receive Jesus, and to receive Jesus is to receive the Father who sent him.