Faithful on Fridays Blog

Sent into the World

The gospel of John has referenced the world eighteen times as we arrive at chapter 17 and what’s commonly called Jesus’ High Priestly Prayer. A priest is appointed as a mediator since he stands between people and God. Jesus allows us to look into His priestly heart right before going to the cross. 

First of all, He prayed for Himself. Jesus declared that glory comes from His obedience to His Father’s assignment which He accepted before the world was created. His sacrificial death on our behalf completed the Plan of Redemption and brought honor, fame, and recognition to the Father’s name. They share in the glory through their unity and it’s now imparted to us.

Secondly, Jesus prayed for His remaining disciples. They were chosen by the Father and given to Him; the phrase ‘given Me’ is used six times. The vital point was that God chose or elected Jesus’ followers and gave them the ability to believe in the Savior. 

I have revealed You to the ones You gave Me from this world. They were always Yours. You gave them to Me, and they have kept Your word. John 17:6 

John 17 was written that we also may believe we’ve been chosen by God and given the same empowerment for faith. Jesus is clear, He’s not praying for the world of unbelievers but for believers, those the Father has given Him. He’s not in the world anymore but they are, however, He won’t ask for them to be removed. Jesus promised to guard, preserve, and strengthen them with joy until their assignment in this world is completed. He repeated what was said previously, the world hates them because they are so different. They don’t behave, respond, or enjoy the same things worldly people do and that causes hatred.

They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. John 17:16 

Lastly, Jesus prayed for us, future believers, and included all the benefits. In the world there are chosen ones who need to hear the word of truth from our mouths. That’s our final assignment. We testify of His love and care, teach and preach His Word, and display unity among other believers. We act like God. The unity in the Trinity is a beautiful picture of the unity in the Church for the world to see. When the world sees our relationship with God and others they’re either drawn to Him or rebel against Him; there is no in-between. 

I in them and You in Me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that You sent Me and loved them even as You loved Me. John 17:23 

Jesus completed His priestly prayer by speaking of love. The mutual love and union the Father and Son possess is also a picture for the Church of our responsibility to show the world that we know God. That’s your mission if you choose to accept it.