John
17:13-19 (NIV) "I am coming to you now, but I say these things while I am
still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of my joy within
them. 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.
NOTE: Jesus prayed
this prayer in the disciple's hearing and for their benefit. I'm sure it was
comforting to hear Jesus speak of them to his father. Also, to know that
"you will see me soon" (last chapter) did not mean they were also
going to die since he prayed that they would not be taken out of the world. But
he clearly identifies them with himself to the point that he says that they
also are not of the world. It is easy to see how Jesus is not of the world
since he is "half" man (by Mary), and "half" God (by the
Holy Spirit) -- (theologically, we say he is perfectly (I like better than
fully) man and fully God). But the disciples are "all of this world."
Apparently not, Jesus says they are not of this world. So, identification with
Jesus separates us from this world (since they had not received the Spirit
yet). They are different by being around Jesus and they no longer identify with
the world but with Jesus. That doesn't mean that they need to leave the world
(as Jesus prays). They are to be a witness for Jesus in the world and their
greatest need is protection from the evil one. He is out to destroy them.
Jesus' other prayer comes to mind on this point, "… lead us not into
temptation but deliver us from evil." I don't know if I think about this
enough. The enemy is attacking me. It might be subtle but there is an attack
ongoing. If it was obvious, it wouldn't be as successful. I need to remember
this for myself and others, and pray for mine and their protection.
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