I gave them your word, and the world hated them, because they do not belong to the world any more than I belong to the world. John 17:14 NABRE
Jesus praying to God is looking out for His disciples. He notes how they have been told about God their Father and about everything God has meant for them to know. He knows they have not understood everything but the Holy Spirit will come and remind them, the Holy Spirit will give them power, and the Holy Spirit will comfort them when they need comforting. During His time with the disciples Jesus protected them, He was the one taking the hatred of the world and they were left to observe and learn. But now He is going back to the Father and turning the mission of God over to them, and He knows they will be hated and attacked. The have the word of God to share with the people and what they say will make them hated. The message of God is not easy; love enemies, turn the other cheek, give to the poor, heal the ill, visit the prisoner, seek the lost. None of this will make them rich or popular, in fact it will make them cursed and hated. Jesus knows their hearts and He knows from experience how difficult their lives will be (most disciples end life martyred.) Jesus knows that their love will be deep and their work for the word will be endless and challenging. He says they do not belong to this world, as Jesus Himself does not belong to this world. The world is a place of broken nature; greed and self-interest are more influential than love and giving. But Jesus knows they must stay and carry-on, so He asks God to watch over them, keep evil from them and let them be consecrated, set apart and holy.
We too can be set apart, if we do the will of the Father. We can live in this world but not be part of it.
Do you stay above the evil of the world? Do you ask for God’s help?
We can be set apart, if we do the will of the Father. We can live in this world but not be part of it. Share on X#bible’#godisgreat #jesus #christianity #dailybibleverse @youversion #BeAnEncourager #word #consecrate #John #everybodyalways #god #jesuschrist #jesussaves #godisgood #dailydevotion #biblestudy #scripture #bibleverse #verseoftheday #pray #prayer #goodnews #loveeachother #godisgreat #thisVineyard #youversion #everythingalways