As You sent Me into the worldThis phrase highlights the divine mission of Jesus Christ, sent by God the Father. It reflects the concept of the Incarnation, where Jesus, though divine, entered the human realm to fulfill God's redemptive plan. This mission is rooted in Old Testament prophecies, such as
Isaiah 61:1, which speaks of the anointed one sent to bring good news. The sending of Jesus is a central theme in the Gospel of John, emphasizing His role as the Light of the World (
John 8:12) and the Savior (
John 3:16-17). The world, in this context, refers to humanity in its fallen state, in need of salvation.
I have also sent them into the world
Here, Jesus commissions His disciples, paralleling His own mission. This sending is not just geographical but spiritual, as they are to carry the message of the Gospel to all nations (Matthew 28:19-20). The disciples are to be ambassadors of Christ, representing Him and His teachings. This commission is empowered by the Holy Spirit, as seen inActs 1:8, where the disciples receive power to be witnesses. The phrase underscores the continuity of Jesus' mission through His followers, establishing the foundation for the Church's evangelistic efforts. The world remains the sphere of their mission, indicating the ongoing need for the Gospel in a world resistant to divine truth.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Jesus ChristThe speaker of this verse, Jesus is praying to God the Father. This prayer is part of what is known as the High Priestly Prayer, where Jesus intercedes for His disciples and all future believers.
2.
God the FatherThe one to whom Jesus is praying. He is the sender of Jesus into the world, highlighting the divine mission and authority of Jesus.
3.
The DisciplesThe immediate recipients of Jesus' mission. They are being sent into the world just as Jesus was, to continue His work and spread the Gospel.
4.
The WorldRepresents the realm of human existence that is often in opposition to God. It is the mission field where Jesus and His disciples are sent to bring the message of salvation.
5.
The High Priestly PrayerThis event is a significant moment in the Gospel of John, where Jesus prays for His disciples and all believers, emphasizing themes of unity, mission, and sanctification.
Teaching Points
Understanding Our MissionJust as Jesus was sent by the Father, we are sent by Jesus. Our mission is to continue His work, sharing the Gospel and making disciples.
Empowered by the Holy SpiritWe are not sent alone; the Holy Spirit empowers us to fulfill our mission, providing guidance, strength, and boldness.
Living in the World, Not of the WorldWhile we are sent into the world, we must maintain our distinctiveness as followers of Christ, not conforming to worldly values but transforming them through the Gospel.
Unity in MissionJesus' prayer emphasizes unity among believers. Our effectiveness in mission is enhanced when we work together in love and harmony.
Responding to the CallLike Isaiah, we should be willing to respond to God's call with readiness and obedience, trusting in His provision and guidance.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of John 17:18?
2.How does John 17:18 inspire us to fulfill the Great Commission today?
3.What does "sent into the world" mean for Christians' daily lives?
4.How does John 17:18 connect with Matthew 28:19-20's call to discipleship?
5.In what ways can we be "sent" like Jesus in our communities?
6.How can John 17:18 guide our approach to evangelism and outreach efforts?
7.How does John 17:18 define the mission of believers in the world today?
8.What does "sent into the world" imply about Christian engagement with secular society?
9.How does John 17:18 relate to the concept of being "in the world, but not of it"?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from John 17?
11.What does "Apostello" mean?
12.What does 'Apostello' mean?
13.What was Jesus' purpose on Earth?
14.What teachings does the Bible provide?What Does John 17:18 Mean
As You sent Me- Jesus speaks to the Father, acknowledging that His own coming was not accidental but a deliberate mission.
- The Father initiated this sending (John 3:17;1 John 4:14), showing divine love that moves first toward lost people.
- Christ’s obedience models perfect submission (John 5:36), reminding us that every step He took was in harmony with the Father’s will.
into the world- “The world” means the arena of fallen humanity, not a retreat into safety but the very place where darkness reigns (John 1:10).
- The incarnation placed holy God in human skin (John 1:14;Philippians 2:6-8).
- By entering our broken environment He identifies with our weakness (Hebrews 2:14) while remaining unstained, proving redemptive presence is possible amid corruption.
I have also sent them- Jesus mirrors the Father’s pattern: as He was commissioned, He now commissions His disciples (John 20:21).
- This is not a suggestion but a transfer of responsibility:
• to proclaim the gospel (Matthew 28:18-20)
• to demonstrate kingdom life in word and deed (Luke 9:1-2)
• to rely on Spirit-empowered witness (Acts 1:8).
- The authority backing this mission is Christ’s own; believers go with His seal, not merely personal zeal.
into the world- The same hostile environment becomes the disciples’ venue for ministry (Mark 16:15).
- Instead of isolation, Christ expects infiltration—being “in the world but not of it” (John 17:15-16).
- Their presence brings light that exposes and attracts (Philippians 2:15), calling people out of darkness into God’s marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9).
summaryJohn 17:18 shows a direct parallel: the Father sent the Son; the Son sends His followers. The pattern affirms God’s missionary heart, Christ’s obedient example, and the church’s continuing mandate. We are not spectators but participants, entering the same world Christ entered, backed by the same divine authority, to continue the same saving work until He returns.
(18)
As thou hast sent me into the world.--Better,
As Thou didst send Me. The tense points out the definite moment of His mission. (Comp.
John 10:36.)
So have I also sent them into the world.--Better,I also sent. Comp. Notes onMatthew 10:5;Luke 6:13. In the very word "Apostles" their mission was contained; but the thought here comprehends the immediate future of their wider mission. (Comp. Note onJohn 20:21.)
Verse 18. -
As thou didst send me into the world from the glory which I had with thee before the world was - a primal fact in the earthly consciousness of the Lord Christ, and one on which he repeatedly laid emphasis (
John 10:36;
John 17:8) -
even so I sentthem into the world;
i.e. from that higher sphere of thought above the world to which I had called them. "They are not of the world," but
I sent them from the unworldly home and from the high place of my intimate friendship, from the ground of elevated sympathy with myself, into the world, with my message and the power to claim obedience. Christ gave this apostolic commission near the commencement of his ministry (see
Matthew 10:5, etc., and
Mark 3:14,
Ἵνα ω΅σι μετ αὐτοῦ καὶ ἵνα ἀποστέλλῃαὐτοὺς κηρύσσειν), and that first act, the type of the whole apostolic commission, which was finally confirmed (
Matthew 28:19, 20;
John 20:21, 22), is here described in the timeless force of the aorist, so that the word embraces the entire ministerial function of all who believe in the mission of the Son.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
Asκαθὼς(kathōs)Adverb
Strong's 2531:According to the manner in which, in the degree that, just as, as. From kata and hos; just as, that.You sentἀπέστειλας(apesteilas)Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 649:From apo and stello; set apart, i.e. to send out literally or figuratively.Meἐμὲ(eme)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473:I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.intoεἰς(eis)Preposition
Strong's 1519:A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.theτὸν(ton)Article - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.world,κόσμον(kosmon)Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2889:Probably from the base of komizo; orderly arrangement, i.e. Decoration; by implication, the world (morally).I {have} alsoκἀγὼ(kagō)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 1st Person Singular
Strong's 2504:To also, I too, but I. From kai and ego; so also the dative case kamoi, and accusative case kame and I, me.sentἀπέστειλα(apesteila)Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 649:From apo and stello; set apart, i.e. to send out literally or figuratively.themαὐτοὺς(autous)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 846:He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.intoεἰς(eis)Preposition
Strong's 1519:A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.theτὸν(ton)Article - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.world.κόσμον(kosmon)Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2889:Probably from the base of komizo; orderly arrangement, i.e. Decoration; by implication, the world (morally).
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NT Gospels: John 17:18 As you sent me into the world (Jhn Jo Jn) 
