Our Apostle (Jesus)

The term “apostle” comes from the Greek word “apostolos,” meaning “one who is sent.”
In Hebrews 3:1, Jesus is explicitly referred to as “our apostle,” highlighting His divine mission. This article delves into the significance of Jesus as our apostle, supported by cross-references to various Bible verses.

Jesus, the Sent One

The role of an apostle is to be a messenger or envoy, sent to convey a message or fulfill a mission. Jesus, as the apostle, was sent by God the Father to reveal His will and provide the means for humanity’s salvation.

Hebrews 3:1 :

“Therefore, holy brothers and sisters, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, whom we acknowledge as our apostle and high priest.”

This verse calls believers to focus on Jesus, recognizing Him as the one sent by God. The title “apostle” here emphasizes His authority and the divine origin of His mission.

John 20:21 :

“Again Jesus said, ‘Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.’”

In this passage, Jesus confirms His sent status, paralleling His mission with the commissioning of His disciples. This reinforces the concept of Jesus as the ultimate apostle, sent directly from the Father.

Jesus as the Divine Messenger

Throughout His ministry, Jesus proclaimed the kingdom of God and revealed the Father’s character and purposes.

John 12:49-50 :

“For I did not speak on my own, but the Father who sent me commanded me to say all that I have spoken. I know that his command leads to eternal life. So whatever I say is just what the Father has told me to say.”

These verses highlight Jesus’ role as the divine messenger, faithfully delivering the message entrusted to Him by the Father. His teachings and actions were direct revelations from God, underscoring His apostolic authority.

Hebrews 1:1-2 :

“In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe.”

Here, the writer of Hebrews contrasts the former ways God communicated with humanity (through the prophets) with His ultimate revelation through Jesus, His Son. This passage underscores Jesus’ superior role as the final and most complete messenger of God’s word.

The Purpose of Jesus’ Apostleship

Jesus’ apostleship was not merely about delivering a message but also about enacting God’s plan of salvation through His life, death, and resurrection.

Luke 4:18-19 :

“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour.”

In this declaration, Jesus outlines the mission He was sent to accomplish, directly quoting Isaiah 61:1-2. His apostleship involves both proclamation and action—bringing liberation, healing, and the proclamation of God’s favor.

John 3:17 :

“For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”

This verse encapsulates the core purpose of Jesus’ apostleship: salvation. Jesus was sent to save, not to judge, emphasizing His redemptive mission.

The Apostolic Ministry of Jesus

Jesus’ ministry as an apostle included training and commissioning His disciples to continue His work.

Matthew 10:40 :

“Anyone who welcomes you welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me.”

Jesus links His disciples’ mission with His own, showing that their apostolic work is an extension of His. By receiving His apostles, people are, in essence, receiving Jesus and the Father who sent Him.

Acts 1:8 :

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.

Jesus commissions His followers to be His witnesses, continuing His apostolic mission empowered by the Holy Spirit. This global mission reflects the ongoing nature of Jesus’ apostleship through His church.

Conclusion

Jesus links His disciples’ mission with His own, showing that their apostolic work is an extension of His. By receiving His apostles, people are, in essence, receiving Jesus and the Father who sent Him.

Jesus as our apostle signifies His unique role as the sent one from God, tasked with proclaiming and enacting God’s redemptive plan. His life and ministry reveal the Father’s will, offer salvation, and establish the foundation for the church’s ongoing mission. Recognizing Jesus as our apostle deepens our understanding of His authority and the divine origin of His mission, encouraging us to fix our thoughts on Him and follow His example in our own lives.