In the John 17 prayer of our Lord Jesus, I count the word "world" at least 18 times in just 26 verses. Jesus uses the word "world" to mean this created planet ((5, 24); the world system (powers, culture) that is opposed to Christ and His Good News (14,16) and the world of people (18, 23).
Christ loves the world of people and died for the sins of all people (I John 2:2). He calls us to love the people for whom He died; to live out His love to them and to tell them of His love. He could remove us from the world as soon as we believe, but He wants us living in the midst of the people for whom He died. (15)
What is most clear in this prayer is the clear distinction that Jesus makes between His followers and "the world". I think we all need to be reminded of this distinction for several reasons. If I am conscious of not being part of this world, I will expect to be different in my world view, my values and my goals. I will not be surprised when I confront antagonism or when I hear of Christians and their beliefs being opposed with anger and hatred. I will remember my (our) responsibility to be a witness to the world of people around me.
Aren't you encouraged to know that when Jesus prayed this prayer for his disciples, he included all of us who in the future would believe in Him? (20) Aren't you glad that our Great High Priest knows what it is like to live in a world that offers us alternately great temptations and great opposition!?
One last thing (there is so much more in this passage). Christians, it seems, are so easily divided; Within churches and within denominations. It is tragic that there are countless thousands of denominations spread around the world. Churches and denominations often act like competitors or critics rather than part of God's family. Thank God for all those who work toward breaking down barriers and bring peace where there has been division.
We are all responsible to work toward unity with our Christian sisters and brothers, whatever their church or denomination. If they confess the same Saviour and Lord, then He wants us to present a unity with them to the world. This was our Lord's solemn prayer and desire (20 - 23). Surely it has not changed.
Each of us should do what we can to demonstrate that unity. There is power in your personal witness. There is greater power when the body of Christ made up of disparate ages, cultures, languages, income, education, etc. stands together to witness to His power and love. We don't belong to this world. We belong to each other because we all belong to Christ the Lord.
Christ loves the world of people and died for the sins of all people (I John 2:2). He calls us to love the people for whom He died; to live out His love to them and to tell them of His love. He could remove us from the world as soon as we believe, but He wants us living in the midst of the people for whom He died. (15)
What is most clear in this prayer is the clear distinction that Jesus makes between His followers and "the world". I think we all need to be reminded of this distinction for several reasons. If I am conscious of not being part of this world, I will expect to be different in my world view, my values and my goals. I will not be surprised when I confront antagonism or when I hear of Christians and their beliefs being opposed with anger and hatred. I will remember my (our) responsibility to be a witness to the world of people around me.
Aren't you encouraged to know that when Jesus prayed this prayer for his disciples, he included all of us who in the future would believe in Him? (20) Aren't you glad that our Great High Priest knows what it is like to live in a world that offers us alternately great temptations and great opposition!?
One last thing (there is so much more in this passage). Christians, it seems, are so easily divided; Within churches and within denominations. It is tragic that there are countless thousands of denominations spread around the world. Churches and denominations often act like competitors or critics rather than part of God's family. Thank God for all those who work toward breaking down barriers and bring peace where there has been division.
We are all responsible to work toward unity with our Christian sisters and brothers, whatever their church or denomination. If they confess the same Saviour and Lord, then He wants us to present a unity with them to the world. This was our Lord's solemn prayer and desire (20 - 23). Surely it has not changed.
Each of us should do what we can to demonstrate that unity. There is power in your personal witness. There is greater power when the body of Christ made up of disparate ages, cultures, languages, income, education, etc. stands together to witness to His power and love. We don't belong to this world. We belong to each other because we all belong to Christ the Lord.
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