Read John 17:1-51
Highlights:
Looking beyond the cross and the tomb, Jesus asks the Father for seven things (John 17:1,5,11,15,17,21-24). He prays for Himself (17:1-5), His disciples (17:6-19), and us (17:20-26). The love gift of God to the world is Jesus (3:16).
In the Mount of Transfiguration, Jesus' countenance shone as the sun and His garments were white as the light (Matt. 17:2). And the voice of God fell from heaven, saying: This is My Beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased (17:5). Now, following the Last Supper, Jesus prays: Sanctify them through Thy Truth: Thy Word is Truth (John 17:17).
Jesus reveals the divine love of God that led His disciples to live unto Him who died for them and rose again (II Cor. 5:1,14-21). His love produces a hatred of sin and a clear view of separation from this world system of things.
The believer is in the world but does not have to be a part of it. Jesus' earnest prayer for His followers who were not of the world (John 17:14) does not mean that we are to withdraw from associating with all worldly people. Some Christians have attempted to avoid the society of sinners and have lived in seclusion, hoping to escape the pollutions of the world. They seem to have forgotten the purpose for which they were created. As Christ is the Light of the world (8:12; 9:5) and did not shun the public, so His disciples are to shine (Matt. 5:14-16) — not only at the family altar or at worship in a sanctuary, but in their everyday conversation (conduct) in the world (II Cor. 1:12).
The world, inspired by the spirit of darkness, touches our lives at every point! It tempts with fleshly lusts, which war against the soul (I Pet. 2:11). With tempting attractions it entices its victims to become dedicated to self-love.
The amazing fact is that, in spite of all hardships, sorrows, and suffering that a child of God faces — regardless of what those trials might be — his Heavenly Father loves him just as much as He loves any other person on earth.
Each event in life is meant to bring us into a closer relationship to Him. Consequently, even in stormy trials, we can experience the peace of God, which passeth all understanding (Phil. 4:7). The world (unsaved persons) cannot experience this peace, but the Holy Spirit imparts it in the hearts of those who trust their Savior and Lord to control their lives. Jesus prayed in His high priestly prayer that we may be one in spirit through His grace. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world (John 17:16).
Thought for Today:
Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you . . . Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid (John 14:27).
Cross Reference:
For John 17:12: See Ps. 41:9.
Word Studies:
17:12 the son of perdition, Judas Iscariot; 18:30 malefactor, evildoer, criminal.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by Lt. Col. & Mrs. Walter Swanson • Government Official: Rep. Sam Graves (MO) • Country: Dominica (65,000) in the British West Indies • Major languages: English and French patois • Religious freedom • 75% Roman Catholic; 12% Protestant • Prayer Suggestion: Read, study, and listen to the Word of God so that your prayers will be answered (Prov. 28:9).
Memory Verse for the Week: Romans 6:12
