[:en]SCRIPTURE: JOHN 17
“Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.” (John 17:3)
“My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified. (John 17:15-18)
“I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one – I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.” (John 17:22-23)
JESUS PRAYS FOR HIMSELF (vs. 1-5)
Jesus was one with God. He came to the earth to fulfill his mission of giving salvation to mankind. As he completed the work the Father had given him, he asked his Father to restore him to his original place of honor and glory.
JESUS PRAY FOR HIS DISCIPLES (v.s 6-19)
Jesus prayed that he will be united in harmony and love as the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit are united. He also prayed that they may have the full measure of his joy within them. Although the world hates Christians because Christian values differ from the world, Jesus did not asked God to take believers out of the world but he asked the Father to protect them from the evil one. He wanted them to be sanctified by the truth. His word is the truth. By applying God’s word, it purifies our minds and heart to live a holy life. Scriptures pour out sin and motivate us to confess and renew our relationship with Christ.
JESUS PRAYS FOR ALL BELIEVERS (vs. 20-26)
Jesus also prayed for all believers to be united so that the world may also believe in Christ. He also prayed that believers see His glory and show love as testimony of his presence in them.
REFLECTION:
- Jesus had finished the work of salvation. Have you finished the work that God had entrusted to you?
- Christians are not of the world but they are in the world to witness for Christ. Have you taken this responsibility seriously by keeping your life clean through His word?
- Christ stresses the importance of unity among believers. And the key words to spiritual unity is LOVE. Are you helping to unite the body of Christ so as to exalt Christ and glorify Him?
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