Although Jesus came into this world to redeem us from our sins, the world did not welcome Him. In fact, the world—the hostile spiritual system of human rebellion against God—maligned, persecuted, and crucified Him. The world stands in opposition to the ways of God. Because Jesus was about to leave this world, He prayed that the Father would protect His disciples who would remain in this world. In this High Priestly Prayer, Jesus prayed that His disciples would experience joy, protection, and sanctification. Their spiritual purity would stand out in a world characterized by sin, self, and spiritual rebellion. Jesus wants His followers to stand out in this world even though the world stands against us. |
