Scriptural text: John 17:14-24
Called Upon to Engage a World Opposed to God (John 17:14-16). Christ does not pray that they might be rich and great in the world, but they might be kept from sin, strengthened for their duty, and brought safe to heaven. The prosperity of the soul is the best prosperity. He pleaded with His holy Father, that He would keep them by his power and for His glory, that they might be united in affection and labours, even according to the union of the Father and the Son. He did not pray that his disciples should be moved out of the world, that they might escape the rage of men, for they had a great work to do for the glory of God, and the benefit of mankind. But he prayed that the Father would keep them from evil, from being corrupted by the world, the remains of sin in their hearts, and from the power and craft of Satan. So they might pass through the world as through the enemy’s country, as he has done. They are not left here to pursue the same objects as the men around him, but to glorify, and to serve their generations. The Spirit of God in true Christians is opposed to the spirit of the world.
Sanctified for Service by God’s Truth (John 17:17-19). Christ next prayed for the disciples, that they might be kept from evil, but made good. It is the prayer of Jesus for all that are his, that they may be made holy. Even disciples must pray for sanctifying grace. The means for giving this grace is “through their truth, thy word is truth.” Sanctify them, set them apart for thyself and thy service. Own them in the office, let thy hand go with them. Jesus entirely devoted Himself to his undertaking, and all the parts of it, especially the offering up himself without spot unto God, by the eternal Spirit. The real holiness of all the true Christians is the fruit of Christ’s death, by which the gift of the Holy Ghost, by which the gift of the Holy Ghost was purchased; he gave himself for his church, to sanctify it. If our views have not this effect on us; they are not Divine truth, or we do not receive them by a living and a working faith, but as mere notions.
Jesus Prayer for the Unity of All Believers (John 17:20-22). Our Lord especially prayed that all believers might be as one body under one head, animated by one soul, by their union with Christ and the Father in Him, through the Holy Spirit dwelling in them. The more they dispute about lesser things, the more they throw doubts upon Christianity. Let us endeavor to keep the unity of the Holy Spirit in the bond of peace, praying that all believers may be more and more united in one mind and one judgment. Thus shall we convince the world of the truth and excellence of our religion, and find more sweet communion with God and His saints.