“Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth.” (John 17:17)
Jesus declares that God’s word is truth, so there can be no question. People go around today throwing the word “truth” out there as if it suggests their own meaning of life. I wish they’d find a different word because, for me, the only truth is God’s word. And God’s word points to Jesus as the truth. Any other truth is only fiction.
Context: This verse is only one tiny excerpt of Jesus’ prayer for us found in John 17. I suggest you take some time to read the whole prayer and be blessed by how Jesus cares for you. There are plenty of other gems there to hold on to and memorize as encouraging insight. To know that Jesus prayed this for his disciples and us is powerfully comforting.
For now, let’s unpack how Jesus describes truth for us. God’s truth can make us holy. Jesus’s prayer asks that for us. Of course, God is the one who ultimately controls our holiness. What is holiness? It is being set aside for God’s work, to become more like Jesus, able to focus on the ways of heaven and not of the world. I think of it as being the best I can be to reflect Jesus for the world. I’m going to fall short, but God can still reveal his truth through me. That’s what Jesus wants for us, to be good representatives of him here on earth.
The good thing is that we can be taught using God’s word as our guide. The truth of Scripture is not always clear, and many times the messages are hidden. Paul taught the Corinthians in 1 Corinthians 2:10, “But it was to us that God revealed these things by his Spirit. For his Spirit searches out everything and shows us God’s deep secrets.” Paul’s reference to “us” would be as believers because those living apart from God are in darkness and would not understand God’s truth.
When we are followers of Christ and trust in the gospel message, we are in a privileged group close to the heart of God. Jesus has prayed that truth will be taught and revealed to us as we are ready. Just as babies aren’t ready for solid food, new believers aren’t ready for the whole of God’s truth. That’s why Jesus prays for us to be taught.
How does it make you feel to know Jesus prayed this for you? Do you feel that much closer to Jesus because of his great care for you? How do you respond to Jesus?
Let’s pray. My precious Jesus, I am humbled that you thought of me. Your prayer touches my spirit and opens my heart to you even more. I love the ways you teach me your truth and open my eyes to new meaning each day. Help me to live my life in a way that reflects you. Make me holy, Lord Jesus. In your precious name I pray. Amen.
