🙏 Devotional on John 17:11–20 – Set Apart in the World by Truth

📖 Scripture Reading (John 17:13–20, NIV)

13 "I am coming to you now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them.
14 I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world.
15 My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one.
16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of it.
17 Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.
18 As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world.
19 For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified.
20 "My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message,
  

🔁 Repeated Words & Expressions

• "World" – verses 13, 14, 15, 16, 18
• "Sanctify" – verses 17, 19
• "Word" – verses 14, 17
• "Sent" – verse 18

🎯 Theme

Jesus prays that His disciples would be protected and sanctified by the truth of God’s word as they live in the world and fulfill their mission.

🔍 Observing God

• God’s word is truth and the means by which we are sanctified (v.17).
• God protects His people from the evil one (v.15).
• God sent Jesus into the world, and Jesus sends His disciples likewise (v.18).

🧍 Observing Humanity

• The disciples are still in the world but not of it (v.14, 16).
• They are hated by the world because they live by God’s word (v.14).
• They are meant to experience the full joy of Jesus (v.13).
• They are to be sanctified and sent just as Jesus was (v.17–18).
• Future believers are included in Jesus' prayer through the disciples’ testimony (v.20).

🕊 Interpreting God

God does not remove us from the world but equips us to live holy lives within it. His desire is not for escape but transformation—through His word, which is truth. Jesus prays for our protection and sanctification, showing God’s personal involvement in every disciple’s spiritual journey.

🧠 Interpreting Humanity

As believers, we are not of this world, but we are still called to live in it. Jesus acknowledges the tension and danger, yet He prays for our joy, protection, and purpose. We are sanctified not by isolation, but by engagement with God’s word. And we are part of God’s redemptive plan—sent to the world, just like Jesus.

🪞 Life Application

• Examine how you are currently engaging with the world. Are you blending in or standing apart in truth?
• Set aside 10 minutes today to read and meditate on God’s word as your source of sanctification.
• Pray for courage to live faithfully in the world and for someone who has not yet believed through your message.

💓 Spiritual Touch

“Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.” (v.17)

God’s word is not just information—it is the very power that makes us holy and equips us to live faithfully in a hostile world.

🙌 Closing Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for praying for me. Help me not to fear the world, but to stand strong in Your truth. Sanctify me by Your word and use me to bring Your message to others. I want to live fully in Your joy and purpose. Amen.

⏳ 24-Hour Meditation

Whisper this throughout the day: “Your word is truth. Sanctify me in it.”