What's Mine is Yours

CONSIDER 

A couple questions come to mind with this passage. First, what does Jesus mean when he refers to the world? He says that he’s not praying for the world. Doesn’t that seem to work against “for God so loved the world that he gave his only son”?  

Also, who is Jesus talking about when he says, “the ones you gave me from this world”? Did God handpick certain people to receive Jesus’ message?  

Generally, in the New Testament, when “the world” is referenced, the author is addressing the fallen, rebellious, sin-soaked world. Those God gives Jesus are all the women, men, and children who hear his message as he conducts his earthly ministry. The thousands he fed, the people he healed, the Jews in the synagogues where he taught, the children he welcomed, the sinners he ate with, and so many more.  

Jesus often said, “those who have ears, let them hear.” That’s kind of like a big mic drop. In essence, he is saying “if you are ready to chase this truth, follow me,” and everyone who did is one the Father gave his Son.  

 
REFLECT 

Humankind is made to live in communities of around 140 people. Once we get beyond that, it becomes too difficult to know and meet people’s needs, to walk with others through hard times, to help each other grow in Christlikeness. 

Yet, we seem bent on knowing about and being compelled to respond to the needs of people all over the world. Not only does that work against how we’re wired, it’s not even how Jesus did his earthly ministry. He shared the Gospel with those God gave and proceeded to say, “I’m not praying for everyone else right now.”  

PRAY 

Jesus, show me my mission field. Compel me to go with the Gospel into the places where I live, learn, work, and play. Remind me to focus on those the Father has given me and help me to not be overwhelmed by the state of the world. Amen.