Representing Jesus

A first-century ambassador carries a specific charge. Sent by a sovereign or community, he travels to a foreign place, represents the one who commissioned him, and stays until the task is complete. He doesn’t freelance or promote his own agenda. His words and actions belong entirely to the one who sent him. When Paul uses this image to describe the Corinthian believers, the weight of it lands hard. These are ordinary people in a city that doesn’t share their values, Lord, or mission. Yet God has entrusted them with his appeal: Be reconciled to God. They carry the message because they carry the Messenger.