Most certainly I tell you, he who receives whomever I send, receives me; and he who receives me, receives him who sent me.”
Verse 20. He that receiveth, &c. This sentiment is found in the instructions which Jesus gave to his disciples in . Why he repeats it at this time cannot now be known. It is certain that it is not closely connected with the subject of his conversation. Perhaps, however, it was to show how intimately united he, his Father, his apostles, and all who received them were.
He that receiveth whomsoever I send, receiveth me, &c.--(See on Mat 10:40). The connection here seems to be that despite the dishonor done to Him by Judas, and similar treatment awaiting themselves, they were to be cheered by the assurance that their office, even as His own, was divine.
We have here the discovery of Judas's plot to betray his Master. Christ knew it from the beginning; but now first he discovered it to his disciples, who did not expect Christ should be betrayed, though he had often told them so, much less did they suspect that one of them should do it. Now here, I.
Commenting on John 13:18-30