Reading the Word

John 17:14–19 (ESV)

14 I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 15 I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. 16 They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 17 Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. 18 As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. 19 And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth.

Understanding and Applying the Word

You have likely heard the phrase “In the world, but not of the world.” It originates from today’s passage. It is not exactly a word-for-word quotation of Jesus’ words, but it is an accurate summation of these verses. As Jesus prepared to go to the cross and depart from the earth, Jesus asked the Father to protect his followers from the dangers of this world as they continued to live in it and represent him.

Notice that the thing Jesus asked the Father to do for his disciples was centered on them knowing the truth. Jesus asked the Father that the disciples might know the truth of God’s word so that they would not be deceived by lies. The world denies the word of God and proposes many other options as the best way to live. It is only through knowing the truth that we can be prepared to live in the world and testify to the good news of Jesus Christ as the Savior.

Let us turn to our Bibles to read of Jesus’ birth as we celebrate Christmas this year, but let us also turn to them each and every day as we seek to live for the glory of God.

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