John 17:13-19, Not of the World

13 “But now I am coming to you, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have my joy fulfilled in themselves. 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.”

The departure of Jesus will precipitate a crisis for his disciples prompting this prayer. He has so far prayed for them to be protected from two foes: the world, which has hated them, and Satan. What happened to Judas was sobering evidence of Satan’s power. The disciples will need to persevere through the assaults of these foes, according to Jesus’ prayer, through the power of God’s name. He also prayed for them to be united.

Now he prays they may experience Jesus’ own joy and that they may be totally dedicated to God. Gathered in community, the disciples can experience the joy of God. Joy is a mark of the kingdom of God where God is sovereign in all things and his subjects are totally dedicated to him. With all that life can throw at us, we all need to know and experience this deep, unyielding joy. Filled with this joy, he prays that they be dedicated to God, set apart for his purposes. In the Old Testament priests and sacrifices were consecrated, set apart for God. Jesus is sanctifying himself, setting himself apart for God as a priest and sacrifice.

“Sanctified” comes from a Hebrew root meaning “separate.” Jesus sanctifies himself so that his disciples will be sanctified in the truth. This sanctification for them is a separation from sin and a dedication to righteousness. The reality which will make their sanctification effective is Jesus’ own sanctification at the cross. This is why all discipleship ultimately proceeds from Jesus’ work on the cross. As Paul writes: “For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised” (2 Corinthians 5:14-15). Being a disciple is no longer to live for oneself but for the service of the gospel as a missionary of Jesus.

Lord God, fill us with the joy of Jesus as you protect us from all foes, setting us apart for your purposes and as your witnesses to the gospel. Amen.