The last area which Jesus prays for believers is that we are sanctified or set apart, that we be in the world but not of it. Jesus again is praying a two fold meaning in this request.
"I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but You should keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. As you sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world." (John 17:15-18)
Firstly He is praying protection over those who believe, just as He taught us to pray in the Lord’s Prayer (Luke 11:2-4) and we see David pray in Psalm 23. Jesus is re-enforcing these prayers and teaching us to be strong and aware that we have an enemy that seeks to devour us but He has victory for us (1 Peter 5:8-11) and this is the truth we must understand so that we do not fear!
Secondly He is aspiring that the believers He prays for may reach the unbelieving because they remain in the world. God’s desire is that no one should be lost and that is why we are here on earth rather than with Him in heaven. We have a commission to achieve (Matthew 28:18-20). We have been set apart that we may be a clear sign to an unbelieving world that they may come to know and love the one we know and love.
Sara Jukes
2006-05-24
home
radio
Comment
Bookmark
Tell a friend
