JESUS’ PRAYER AND EXPECTATION FOR US
JESUS’ PRAYER AND EXPECTATION FOR US
I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth. I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word. —John 17:14-20
How grateful we should be that our Lord has left us His Word. Today His Word is readily available to us and we should be so grateful. There are those who do not have His Word and we should seek to get His Word to them. May we do so!
Do not be surprised that the world hates us as followers of Jesus. We are “not of the world.” This is why they hated Jesus, and still do, and that is why they hate us as well. But Jesus’ desire is not that we be taken out of the world, but that we would be kept from the evil one.
His Word sets us apart for the work He has for us and also matures us to be more like Jesus. Praise God that He has given us the Truth in a world of lies and deception. His Word is our anchor, our guide and instruction for life and we need to apply what He says to us.
The Father sent Jesus into this world for special work that He was to do. Now Jesus has sent us also into the world for the work we were created in Him to do (Ephesians 2:10). We should be zealous/passionate in that work He has given us (Titus 2:14: 3:14). Jesus accomplished what our Father had given Him and now we are set apart to accomplish what Jesus has given us. He has given us the Truth. May we live that Truth!
Jesus did not only pray for us though, “but also for those who will believe in me through their word,” He said. So, Jesus expects others will believe through the Word we speak to them. Are we speaking His Word to others? Jesus expected that of those who follow Him. May we be doing so, for His honor and glory and out of our love for Him and people. Yes, Dear Father, may this be so by the power of Your Holy Spirit and in the authority of Your Son Jesus. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MKT5BCmvmq0