The Sent Ones

Earlier I posted a lesson about the Word in Flesh, Jesus Christ, and how we share in His sufferings as we become the Word in our flesh. I will continue with this lesson, which is based in part on Paul’s writings to the church in Colosse.


“. . . the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the saints.” (Col 1:26)

The Word of God in the flesh of men is one of the most powerful things that can ever happen on the earth. If words alone were enough, God would not have needed to keep the Gospel a mystery. But the world needed more than words; they needed to see the Life behind the words, living in flesh and blood.

God kept this mystery a secret until His Word was made Perfect in His Son, Jesus. And we, as His ambassadors, become perfected by that same Word that lives in the flesh of saints gone before us. “We proclaim Him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ.” (Col 1:28) That powerful Life that lived in Paul worked through him to perfect others in Christ, reaching through the generations to us. (see also verse 29).

Jesus labored on earth to bring His disciples into the works of His Father’s kingdom. “As you sent Me into the world, I have sent them into the world” (Jn 17:18). The mystery that waited for the Sent One was also waiting for His sent ones. Those sent ones revealed the mystery that was hidden for ages and generations before them. The revelation awaited both the Son of God and for those whom He would send. That’s how powerful the Word in flesh is.

The world needs more than words: they need to see God’s Word living in the flesh of the sent ones, us.