John 17:14-26

14 I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. 15 My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. 16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. 17 Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. 18 As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. 19 For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified.

20 ‘My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21 that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22 I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one—23 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.

24 ‘Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world.

25 ‘Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me. 26 I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them.’

 

They are not of the world any more than I am of the world. John 17:14

Many years ago, I worked in an African country as an advisor for the British Government. As a result, I got invited to High Commission events. Surrounded by expats and government officials—frequently with private school educations and experience of living overseas—I felt very out of place, and couldn’t wait to leave. Yet I attended because I had a purpose: to represent my organisation.

Feeling out of place is pretty normal for Christians. As the cross drew near, Jesus prayed for His disciples, saying, “they are not of the world any more than I am of the world” (JOHN 17:14). Physically, the disciples dwelt in a world that was not their true home, but they still had an important purpose—to reveal Jesus. He also prayed “for those who will believe in me through their message” (V. 20).

Just as we have believed that message, today we’re on this earth to pass it on as God leads us. This purpose won’t make the world feel more comfortable, but it can give us vision on hard days: “Then the world will know that you sent me” (V. 23).

We don’t need to feel surprised when we sense that we don’t totally fit in on this planet; that there is an aching for something more. Our Saviour is not of this world, and so neither are we as His representatives. But in everything Christ is with us (V. 26).

Where do you feel out of place? What purpose do you think Jesus has given you in those places?

Dear Jesus, thank You for coming to this world to claim me for Yourself. Please use me to share Your good news.