May 29 Eyes on Jesus

John 17:6-8 “I have revealed you to those whom you gave me out of the world. They were yours; you gave them to me, and they have obeyed your word. 7 Now they know that everything you have given me comes from you. 8 For I gave them the words you gave me, and they accepted them. They knew with certainty that I came from you, and they believed that you sent me.”
 
AFTER Jesus has spent some time challenging his disciples to understand his teachings, his prayer now acknowledges their faith. Three important truths are in this passage.
   First, the disciples know God. Faithful to the Father, Jesus has revealed God to them. Remember how Jesus has repeatedly taught he ministers in the Father’s words: John 12:49 “For I did not speak of my own accord, but the Father who sent me commanded me what to say and how to say it.”  He has spoken heaven’s words as heaven directed. The disciples have received the Father’s knowledge. Consider, Christian, that your knowledge of God originates in God. He has so loved you, he has come to teach you of himself. When we know God, we know how to live in faith every day.
   Second, in addition to knowledge, Jesus confirms the disciples’ faith originated with God’s choice. They have always belonged to the Father as all creation does. God’s authority is sovereign to move his creation, including any one person, in any way and purpose he desires. These disciples were in the world with all humanity. Then God brought them into a new place of faith. When Jesus had said, “Come, follow me.” calling his disciples to ministry, the Father had already appointed them. Jesus acted to fulfill the Father’s choice. As you have faith in God, know your faith originates with God. You are his creation. He has chosen you from among the world to believe in Jesus as God’s Son, Savior and Redeemer.
   God’s third truth here is the disciples know Jesus came from the Father. In a number of circumstances over three years of learning, the disciples have confessed the Lord’s authority over their lives, disease and nature. Yes, Jesus knows their faith will be tested. But in God their faith is now secure as they believe Jesus is the Son of God, who has come from heaven.
   Remember that John 17 is Jesus’ prayer for his disciples. We see him as the High Priest. The priestly function formed in God’s law was to intercede for God’s people. Priests would offer sacrifices, prayers of praise, confession, and petition that God’s people would know the Lord’s blessings. Jesus is the High Priest thanking the Father for choosing them to know God.
   Jesus loves his disciples. He wants them safe with the Father. The same is true for you today. How do you respond to the one who so loves you?
   “Therefore, holy brothers, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, the apostle and high priest whom we confess.” (Hebrews 3:1)  
   Yes, in all circumstances fix your eyes on Jesus. He knows you. He loves you.
 
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I am so very grateful you have chosen me to be your disciple. I love you. I pray I live in joy, worshiping you in all I do. In Jesus’ name, amen.