"As you have sent me into the world, I also have sent them into the world, and I have sanctified myself that they also may be sanctified" (John 17:18).
Jesus was sent here on a mission, to bring us into reconciliation with the Father (Romans 5:11). There was a set period of time for the mission (Galatians 4:4), and predestined things that were to happen (Acts 4:27; John 13:18, 15:24-25) and specific works Jesus was to finish (John 4:34, 5:36).
Now he reveals that he is sending his disciples into the world in the same manner that the Father had sent him. We are his disciples. He has sent us into the world at an appointed time to carry the same message (Matthew 10:16; John 20:21; Psalm 139:16).
