What are the key truths or inspirational messages of this passage?
The key to the passage is verse 21, “As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” This tells us that the big idea in this passage is the transfer of the parts of Jesus’ mission that are not unique to his disciples. Without verse 23, we would definitely have reserved forgiveness of sins for Jesus uniquely. But, Jesus told his disciples in Matt. 28:18 that he had all authority. Flowing out of that authority, he assigned them the great commission. This passage in John functions in John as the great commission to the disciples. It also is accompanied with words of empowerment about receiving the Holy Spirit and having authority to pronounce forgiveness. Jesus has not given us the task of being sent to help others understand and receive his forgiveness, without sending us his Spirit and sharing his authority too.
