John 17: Safe and Sent(from the world and into the world)

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Goal:

To feel the impact of the challenge in this prayer
but not be discouraged, but empowered.

1–12 ”Book of Signs”	13–21 ”Book of Glory”

13 A meal with the disciples

14–17 New Teaching
from Jesus
to the disciples

18–20 Arrest
Crucifixion
Resurrection

21 A meal with the disciples

(1–5) I have completed your mission and brought eternal life to humanity, so the time has come for me to come back to your side in glory.
(6–10) You entrusted me with your loved ones, so I fed them your words and they received them. I pray for them now because they belong to us both.
(11–13) Now I am leaving them, please keep them safe, and especially give them the kind of unity that we have.
(14–17) The world will hate them, but don’t take them out, rather keep them safe.
(17–19) Dedicate them to the truth and send them out to continue the mission that you sent me on.
(20–23) And as the mission grows, may the world see their love and unity and so believe in your love!
(24–26) And finally, I want them to be with me forever, enveloped in our love.

I gave them your word
- the world rejects them, as it did me
  - but don’t take them out
  - just keep them safe
- the world rejects them, as it did me
Your word is truth

What is mean by “your word”?
Who is the world?
Are Christians always hated and rejected?
And why exactly would we be hated?
What does it mean to be kept safe from the evil one?
The world can mean the physical world (creation), or the people (John 3:16),
- or the aspects of humanity opposed to God (that is wordly)
Christians are not constatnly rejected by everyone!
So let’s think about what it meant for Jesus
- They loved it when he fed them
- But when he challenged their lifestyle, they were angry
- He stood up against the oppressive legalism of the leaders
Whenever God’s message contradicted their behaviour, there was trouble
Jesus calls us salt and light in this world.
- Whenever God’s values contradict what the world is doing
  and people know this
they will reject us
Keep them safe from the evil one?
- This certainly didn’t mean not being killed
- But Jesus tells them not to fear those who can kill your body
- Your eternal security is safe
But also, Satan will try to destroy your purpose, as with Peter
- Jesus prayed for him, and restored him
- For Peter it was much more important that his faith held out to the end
  - than dying or living
Do you ever wonder what would happen if you faced being martyred?
So what do we learn?
- Don’t be surprised that there is a cost to following Jesus!
- Jesus says “Blessed are you when you are persecuted in my name!”

Make them 100% committed to the message
- Just as you sent me into the world
  - So I send them
  - And for their sakes
- I’m 100% committed
So that they will be 100% committed to the message

This is a very challenging message
Ask yourself if you are really 100% committed to Jesus’ mission?
But don’t feel condemned by this message, because Jesus was so gently with his disciples, and is committed to you
If you are challenged by these words, Jesus would love you to ask him to show you what they mean in your life right now.
Jesus, I want to be 100% committed. Please help me!
Goal: To feel the impact of the challenge in this prayer, but not be discouraged, but empowered.