I am using the daily Bible reading schedule from “The Bible.net” for my daily Bible reading.

Today, I am reading and commenting on John 17-18

Before He was arrested Jesus prayed for His disciples, but not just for those who followed Him while He was here on earth.  John records that He said that His prayer was also for those who believed in Jesus through the message given by those who followed Him here on earth, which includes those alive today who believe in Him.  He warned us that the world would hate us because we are not of the world, just as He was not of the world.  However, He prayed that God would protect us and make us one.

Jesus’ prayer here has always given me great comfort, even though He warns us that the world will hate us.  If we follow Christ we are not of this world, but we should not seek to leave this world.  God will protect us from the evil one and make us one with Himself.  When we allow God to shape us through Jesus’ words we will be unified in a way which reveal to the world that God sent Jesus into the world, that Jesus has sent us into the world, and that He loves us.  I am not sure I have truly expressed why this prayer gives me comfort and joy, but hopefully as you read it today it does the same for you.