“SET APART FOR HIM”

11 “And I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are one.” 

John 17:11

Have you ever tried to herd cats or keep a group of excited children moving in the exact same direction? Life pulls us in a million different directions, and staying spiritually grounded can feel just as chaotic.

John chapter 17 is a heartfelt prayer known as Jesus’ “High Priestly Prayer.” After delivering His Farewell Discourse, Jesus now prays for Himself, the disciples, and future believers. This moment is also the start of Jesus’ “time.”

Verse 11 is packed with spiritual truths. But one question I have is, “Why does Jesus say He is no longer in the world when He is still in the physical world?” He was speaking from a prophetic viewpoint—looking ahead to His impending crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension as though they had already happened. Although He was still physically present, His active earthly ministry was finished, and His heart and purpose were already set on returning to the Father's glory. Furthermore, He was signaling a shift in custody, preparing to leave the disciples vulnerable in a hostile world while handing their care over to the Holy Father.

Did you notice Jesus calling the Father “Holy”? Why is this so? God is often called “Holy One” throughout Scripture but this is the only instance in which He is called “Holy Father.” Jesus is showing the intimate, personal relationship He shares with the Father.

Let’s first find out what the word “holy” means. It comes from the Greek term “hagios,” which is defined as “properly reverend, worthy of veneration, morally blameless.” Jesus emphasizes God’s distinction from sinful creatures including people. This holiness is the basis for believers’ separation from the world. Because of the Father’s holiness and the power of His Name, He can keep the disciples safe from the sin and hatred of the world. As we can see, the focal point of this section is the disciples’ safety.

In the same way, God is the One who keeps us safe from the enemy's traps; He sanctifies us to Himself. It is Jesus' blood that cleanses us from our sins. It is the Holy Spirit's work that makes us more like Christ.

Imagine a pristine white cloth deliberately dipped in rich purple dye. Once submerged, every single fiber is saturated, taking on a completely new identity and color. Living a holy life is much like that cloth. We are immersed in God's holiness, separated from our old habits, and dyed with His character so that our entire lifestyle reflects Him. 

"But as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, 'You shall be holy, for I am holy.'"

1 Peter 1:15-16

Here's the Lord's challenge for us: to live distinct, holy lives while remaining unified in a fragmented world. We cannot achieve this through sheer willpower alone; it requires daily surrender to His guarding grace.

In what specific area of your life are you struggling to stay "set apart" from the world, and how can you invite God's unity and holiness to transform it today?

Pursue the Savior today!

Photo by Robert Wiedemann on Unsplash