In verse 3 Jesus prays, "Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent." When I read this, I realized that I have a self-centered view of eternal life. I am grateful to know that I will live forever; that I will not have to pay the eternal penalty for my sins; that I will reach the ultimate fulfillment of my life. But Jesus points to the God-focused view. Most importantly, I will know God and Jesus Christ in eternal life. I will have true fellowship, uninterrupted by the sin of this fallen world. Amen!
Verse 8 reminds me again just how simple it is to spread the truth of God. Jesus says, "I gave them the words you gave me and they accepted them" (v8). Likewise, we are commanded to share the good news. All we are asked to do is give others the words that have been given to us. The Word of God. That's it. So simple. Whether they accept the words or not is not our concern. Our job is to share, just like Jesus in this regard.
Final thought. Twice in this passage Jesus prays for unity among believers. Verse 11: "Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name—the name you gave me—so that they may be one as we are one." Verse 20: "My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you." I don't often consider how important it is to Jesus that his church be united and strong. This reminds me of the things that are detestable to the Lord in Proverbs 6. The 7th - the most detestable, the most emphasized - is "a man who stirs up dissension among brothers." God desires that his family be united in love, not fighting and divided. Father God, make what is important to you important to me also. Change my heart so that this is true.
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