Living Set Apart: How Jesus’ Final Prayer Shapes Our Everyday Mission
In the final moments before His arrest, Jesus lifted His eyes to heaven and prayed—not just for Himself or His disciples, but for all who would believe in Him. This powerful prayer in John 17 reveals more than a glimpse into the heart of Christ. It offers a framework for how believers can glorify God, live in unity, and carry forward His mission in a broken world.
Knowing God Is Eternal Life
Jesus begins by saying, “This is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and the one you have sent—Jesus Christ” (John 17:3). Eternal life isn’t merely about reaching heaven someday—it starts now. It’s about knowing God deeply and personally, experiencing His presence daily.
This kind of relationship isn’t passive. It’s cultivated. It’s walking in communion with the Father and the Son, guided by the Spirit, and recognizing that our identity is rooted in Him. It’s choosing to engage God in prayer, in Scripture, and in the quiet moments of everyday life.
This kind of relationship isn’t passive. It’s cultivated. It’s walking in communion with the Father and the Son, guided by the Spirit, and recognizing that our identity is rooted in Him. It’s choosing to engage God in prayer, in Scripture, and in the quiet moments of everyday life.
Glorifying God Through Obedience
Jesus continued, “I have glorified you on the earth by completing the work you gave me to do” (John 17:4). If you’ve ever wondered how to glorify God, Jesus gives a tangible answer: complete the work He’s called you to.
We often invite God into our plans. But real transformation happens when we surrender our plans and step into the work He’s prepared for us. That might mean raising children in the faith, encouraging a co-worker, serving in your church, or standing firm in your beliefs when it’s costly. When we live for God’s purposes rather than our own, His glory shines through us.
We often invite God into our plans. But real transformation happens when we surrender our plans and step into the work He’s prepared for us. That might mean raising children in the faith, encouraging a co-worker, serving in your church, or standing firm in your beliefs when it’s costly. When we live for God’s purposes rather than our own, His glory shines through us.
Protected and Sanctified by the Word
Jesus then prays for the protection of His followers—not from hardship, but from the evil one. He says, “I am not praying that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one” (John 17:15). Instead of asking for escape, Jesus asks the Father to guard His people while they remain in the world.
How are we protected? Jesus reveals it in verse 17: “Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.” The Word of God is our sanctifying strength. It shapes our character, guides our choices, and sets us apart from a world in rebellion. If we want to remain firm in our faith and resist the pull of culture, we must be people rooted in Scripture. The truth of God’s Word purifies our hearts and equips us to live boldly on mission.
How are we protected? Jesus reveals it in verse 17: “Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.” The Word of God is our sanctifying strength. It shapes our character, guides our choices, and sets us apart from a world in rebellion. If we want to remain firm in our faith and resist the pull of culture, we must be people rooted in Scripture. The truth of God’s Word purifies our hearts and equips us to live boldly on mission.
Sent on Mission With Confidence
Jesus didn’t just call us to survive the world—He sends us into it. “As you sent me into the world, I also have sent them into the world” (John 17:18). Like Jesus, we are called to live with purpose, compassion, and conviction. Our mission is clear: make Jesus known.
We don’t go alone. We go protected by the Father, sanctified by His truth, and empowered by the love of Christ. When opposition comes—and it will—we can respond not with fear, but with faith. Jesus’ prayer is our assurance that we are not abandoned.
We don’t go alone. We go protected by the Father, sanctified by His truth, and empowered by the love of Christ. When opposition comes—and it will—we can respond not with fear, but with faith. Jesus’ prayer is our assurance that we are not abandoned.
Unity That Reflects God’s Love
Perhaps most strikingly, Jesus prays for our unity: “May they all be one, as you, Father, are in me and I am in you... so that the world may believe you sent me” (John 17:21). Our unity with one another is rooted in our union with God. And that unity becomes a witness to the world.
Division is easy. Grace is hard. But when we forgive as Christ forgave, love as He loved, and stay committed to one another even when it's inconvenient, we reflect the heart of God. The world takes notice of a church marked by humility, sacrifice, and love.
Division is easy. Grace is hard. But when we forgive as Christ forgave, love as He loved, and stay committed to one another even when it's inconvenient, we reflect the heart of God. The world takes notice of a church marked by humility, sacrifice, and love.
Living It Out
Here are a few practical ways to walk this out:
Jesus’ prayer wasn’t just for His disciples—it was for you. The hour has come. Let’s glorify God together.
- Prioritize personal time with God. Not out of obligation, but out of a desire to know Him more deeply.
- Ask God to show you the specific work He’s calling you to complete. Then take steps in faith.
- Spend time daily in Scripture. Let His Word renew your mind and shape your life.
- Choose unity. Extend grace. Speak well of others. Forgive quickly.
- Live on mission. Look for ways to show the love of Christ in your home, your workplace, and your community.
Jesus’ prayer wasn’t just for His disciples—it was for you. The hour has come. Let’s glorify God together.
This blog is based on a message preached by Lead Pastor Dr. Brian Stone as part of the His Hour series on Sunday, April 6. You can watch the full message here.
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