Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary John 13:20

"Verily, verily, I say unto you, he that receiveth whomsoever I send receiveth me; and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me." — John 13:20 (ASV)

Jesus was not merely asking for personal loyalty but for belief that he was the One sent by God (cf. 8:24, 28, 58). He wanted the disciples to commit themselves to his claims before other events would seemingly invalidate them and before the Resurrection would confirm them (cf. 2:22). He went on to say that accepting the messenger whom he sent was equivalent to receiving him and that receiving him involved also receiving God. The language implies a close connection between the disciple and the master and an equally close connection between Jesus and God.