Category Archives: Bible Study

“DON’T TOUCH ME” – 27

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John 20:16-17 NLT‬
[16] “Mary!” Jesus said. She turned to him and cried out, “Rabboni!” (which is Hebrew for “Teacher”). [17] “Don’t cling to me,” Jesus said, “for I haven’t yet ascended to the Father. But go find my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’”

The Greek word “haptomai” can be translated “touch” or “attach oneself to”. After the resurrection, outside the tomb, as Mary instinctively desired to touch or cling to Jesus in her joy, Jesus cautioned her not to do it. Why?

Under the Old Covenant, on the day of atonement, Yom Kippur, the high priest went into the Most Holy Place in the tabernacle with the blood of the annual sacrificial offering for the sin of the nation. He sprinkled the blood on the Mercy Seat to atone for Israel’s sin, then he left the Most Holy Place, alive, to sit down as an indication that God had accepted the sacrifice. No one was permitted to touch him until he had sat down to finish the work of atonement for another year.

However, the high priest could never sit down permanently as a fallen human. The fact that he stood up again indicated that his work was not permanent. He was acting out a ritual that only Jesus could fulfil.

‭Hebrews 9:25-26 NLT‬
[25] “And he (Jesus) did not enter heaven to offer himself again and again, like the high priest here on earth who enters the Most Holy Place year after year with the blood of an animal. [26] If that had been necessary, Christ would have had to die again and again, ever since the world began. But now, once for all time, he has appeared at the end of the age to remove sin by his own death as a sacrifice.”

‭Hebrews 10:11-12 NLT‬
[11] “Under the old covenant, the priest stands and ministers before the altar day after day, offering the same sacrifices again and again, which can never take away sins. [12] But our High Priest offered himself to God as a single sacrifice for sins, good for all time. Then he sat down in the place of honor at God’s right hand.”

Since Jesus’ realm is in the eternal now, it is difficult for us to understand whatever sequence of events took place throughout the cross and resurrection events. What we do understand from Scripture is that He offered Himself as one sacrifice, once for all, in the heavenly tabernacle, sprinkled His own blood on the Mercy Seat for the forgiveness of sin, then sat down at the right hand of the Father to reign as Lord.

‭Hebrews 8:1-5 NLT‬
[1] “Here is the main point: We have a High Priest who sat down in the place of honor beside the throne of the majestic God in heaven. [2] There he ministers in the heavenly Tabernacle, the true place of worship that was built by the Lord and not by human hands. [3] And since every high priest is required to offer gifts and sacrifices, our High Priest must make an offering, too. [4] If he were here on earth, he would not even be a priest, since there already are priests who offer the gifts required by the law. [5] They serve in a system of worship that is only a copy, a shadow of the real one in heaven. For when Moses was getting ready to build the Tabernacle, God gave him this warning: “Be sure that you make everything according to the pattern I have shown you here on the mountain.”

‭Hebrews 10:1 NLT‬
[1] “The old system under the law of Moses was only a shadow, a dim preview of the good things to come, not the good things themselves. The sacrifices under that system were repeated again and again, year after year, but they were never able to provide perfect cleansing for those who came to worship…
[11] Under the old covenant, the priest stands and ministers before the altar day after day, offering the same sacrifices again and again, which can never take away sins. [12] But our High Priest offered himself to God as a single sacrifice for sins, good for all time. Then he sat down in the place of honor at God’s right hand. [13] There he waits until his enemies are humbled and made a footstool under his feet.”

So, to Mary He cautioned, “Don’t touch me. I have not yet sat down to complete the purpose of my sacrifice.”

However, to Thomas He had a different invitation.

‭John 20:24-27 NLT‬
[24] “One of the twelve disciples, Thomas (nicknamed the Twin), was not with the others when Jesus came. [25] They told him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he replied, “I won’t believe it unless I see the nail wounds in his hands, put my fingers into them, and place my hand into the wound in his side.” [26] Eight days later the disciples were together again, and this time Thomas was with them. The doors were locked; but suddenly, as before, Jesus was standing among them. “Peace be with you,” he said. [27] Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and look at my hands. Put your hand into the wound in my side. Don’t be faithless any longer. Believe!”

It seems, then, that this incident with Thomas reveals that His atoning sacrifice was accepted and His work complete, allowing all who believe in Him, in the spirit to “touch” Him, to have personal and intimate fellowship with Him because there is no longer any obstacle or barrier between us and Him.

“I AM HE” – 25

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John 18:1-6 NIV‬
[1]”When he had finished praying, Jesus left with his disciples and crossed the Kidron Valley. On the other side there was a garden, and he and his disciples went into it. [2] Now Judas, who betrayed him, knew the place, because Jesus had often met there with his disciples. [3] So Judas came to the garden, guiding a detachment of soldiers and some officials from the chief priests and the Pharisees. They were carrying torches, lanterns and weapons. [4] Jesus, knowing all that was going to happen to him, went out and asked them, “Who is it you want?” [5] “Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “I AM HE ,” Jesus said. (And Judas the traitor was standing there with them.) [6] When Jesus said, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground.”

Once again, only John recorded this extraordinary detail. Perhaps only John, under inspiration of the Holy Spirit, understood the significance of of the mob’s reaction to Jesus’ words, “I am He!”

Picture the scene. In the pre-dawn darkness, a crowd of men descend on Jesus carrying burning torches and brandishing swords and clubs. Who were these people? The gospel records convey the idea that no one knew for certain who they were.

Matthew…

‭Matthew 26:47 NIV‬
[47] “While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived. With him was a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and the elders of the people.”

Mark…

‭Mark 14:43 NIV‬
[43] “Just as he was speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, appeared. With him was a crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests, the teachers of the law, and the elders.”

‭Luke 22:47 NIV‬
[47] “While he was still speaking a crowd came up, and the man who was called Judas, one of the Twelve, was leading them. He approached Jesus to kiss him…”

Only John identifies them, Romans and Jews, soldiers and religious leaders. Obviously, the soldiers would do the arresting but they were not familiar with Jesus. Someone would need to identify Him in the dark. Who better than Judas, who knew Jesus and the most obvious place to find Him… Gethsemane! The Jews would call the shots since they were the initiators in this plot.

Jesus’ response is also highly unusual but in keeping with His nature. Who was in charge in this entire saga? Not the Jewish leaders! Not the Roman overlords! Of course, Jesus was in charge!

This was Jesus’ stance throughout His public ministry and His arrest, trial and death. Enemies and friends alike had heard Him predict,

‭John 10:17-18 NIV‬
[17] “The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life—only to take it up again. [18] No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father.”

How would His prediction play out in these dangerous circumstances? Based on His foreknowledge, “The hour has come,” He stepped forward to hand Himself over but something stopped the soldiers from grabbing Him….His identity. I AM.

“I AM” was the name by which He introduced Himself to Moses at the burning bush in the desert. Yahweh!No wonder the soldiers were knocked to the ground when He uttered His name!

‭Exodus 3:4-6 NIV‬
[4] When the Lord saw that he had gone over to look, God called to him from within the bush, “Moses! Moses!” And Moses said, “Here I am.” [5] “Do not come any closer,” God said. “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.” [6] Then he said, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob.” At this, Moses hid his face, because he was afraid to look at God….
[13] Moses said to God, “Suppose I go to the Israelites and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ Then what shall I tell them?” [14] God said to Moses, “I am who I am. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I am has sent me to you.’ ”

Only once before had Jesus purposely identified Himself to His enemies as Yahweh, I AM.

‭John 8:54 NIV‬
[54] “Jesus replied, “If I glorify myself, my glory means nothing. My Father, whom you claim as your God, is the one who glorifies me.
[56] Your father Abraham rejoiced at the thought of seeing my day; he saw it and was glad.” [57] “You are not yet fifty years old,” they said to him, “and you have seen Abraham!” [58] “Very truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “before Abraham was born, I AM !” [59] At this, they picked up stones to stone him, but Jesus hid himself, slipping away from the temple grounds.”

To His disciples, Jesus, the I AM, was everything they needed, bread, shepherd, the way, the truth, and the life, etc., but to His enemies, He was Yahweh, the Elohim who had power and authority.

So, it was impossible to arrest Him, let alone accuse Him, try Him, and crucify Him without His permission. He had to hold His power in check for them to subdue Him, and voluntarily submit to their cruelty and injustice, to be crucified as a convicted criminal.

His behaviour throughout His trial was also mystifying without the utterance of His name. How could He remain silent under the weight of all the false accusations against Him if He were not Yahweh, veiled in human flesh?

So, what is the evidence saying?

‭John 18:7-8 NIV‬
[7] Again he asked them, “Who is it you want?” “Jesus of Nazareth,” they said. [8] Jesus answered, “I told you that I am he. If you are looking for me, then let these men go.”…
[12] Then the detachment of soldiers with its commander and the Jewish officials arrested Jesus. They bound him [13] and brought him first to Annas, who was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, the high priest that year.”

‭John 18:11 NIV‬
[11]” Jesus commanded Peter, “Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?”

‭Matthew 26:59-64 NIV‬
[59] “The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for false evidence against Jesus so that they could put him to death. [60] But they did not find any, though many false witnesses came forward. Finally two came forward [61] and declared, “This fellow said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God and rebuild it in three days.’ ” [62] Then the high priest stood up and said to Jesus, “Are you not going to answer? What is this testimony that these men are bringing against you?” [63] But Jesus remained silent.

‭‭John 19:7-11 NIV‬
[7] The Jewish leaders insisted, “We have a law, and according to that law he must die, because he claimed to be the Son of God.” [8] When Pilate heard this, he was even more afraid,
[9] and he went back inside the palace. “Where do you come from?” he asked Jesus, but Jesus gave him no answer. [10] “Do you refuse to speak to me?” Pilate said. “Don’t you realize I have power either to free you or to crucify you?” [11] Jesus answered, “You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin.”

The unified witness of the gospel writers is that Jesus only responded to one question, “Are you the Messiah, the Son of God?”

Matthew 26:63b-64 NIV

“The high priest said to him, “I charge you under oath by the living God: Tell us if you are the Messiah, the Son of God.” [64] “You have said so,” Jesus replied. “But I say to all of you: From now on you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.”

Paul’s conclusion accurately sums up Jesus, the I AM.

‭Philippians 2:6-11 NLT‬
[6] “Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. [7] Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, [8] he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross. [9] Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, [10] that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, [11] and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

Peter adds,

‭1 Peter 2:23-24 NIV‬
[23]”When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. [24] “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.”

No one but the Son of God, the great I AM of holy Scripture, Yahweh, could live and die perfectly, to be the Saviour of all people, everywhere, for all time. We can make this sublime Saviour our own by faith in Him.

THAT THEY MAY BE ONE – 24

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John 17:20-21 NLT‬
[20] “I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. [21] I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me.”

Jesus’ third request was for all who would believe in Him throughout the centuries to this very moment. What a prayer, enfolding all believers for all time in one great purpose, UNITY!

Why was unity so important to Jesus?

First, unity is the very core of God’s nature. The statement of faith of God’s people under the Old Covenant, learned by every newborn at its mother’s breast was…

‭Deuteronomy 6:4 NIV‬
[4] “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.”

The Hebrew word, “echad”, meaning “one” is often used in Scripture to convey the thought of the unified nature and purpose of more than one entity, for example, the two pieces of the tabernacle covering were joined together to become “echad”, one curtain.

This unity is wonderfully exemplified by the sexual union of one man and one woman in marriage. They were made of the same substance. They had the same human nature. They were to be joined together for the same purpose, to reflect the nature and unity of the Godhead.

‭‭Genesis 2:23-24 NIV‬
[23] “The man said, “This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called ‘woman,’ for she was taken out of man.” [24] That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one (echad) flesh.”

The word “flesh” can also be translated “person”.

So, “one – echad” does not mean a single unit but more than one joined together by the same essence and nature to accomplish the same purpose.

Jesus prayed, then, that all His people in every generation, would share the same purpose since they had been recreated through the power of the Holy Spirit to be a new species with the same nature as His.

‭2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV‬
[17] “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”

‭Ephesians 2:14-18 NIV‬
[14] “For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, [15] by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, [16] and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. [17] He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. [18] For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.”

Since God’s children have been made into one new species, we have an obligation to maintain that unity by humble submission to one another. We can only do this by putting to death, through the Spirit, the deeds of the flesh, the old sinful nature dominated by selfishness.

‭Ephesians 4:3-6 NIV‬
[3] “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. [4] There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; [5] one Lord, one faith, one baptism; [6] one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.”

‭Ephesians 5:21 NIV‬
[21]”Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.”

‭Philippians 2:1-5 NIV‬
[1] “Therefore, if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, [2] then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. [3] Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, [4] not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. [5] In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:… “

The second purpose for unity among God’s people is the witness unity would be to a world fragmented by sin. Despite all the calls for unity and all the legislation to force people to unite, unity outside the transforming power of the Holy Spirit is impossible.

Hostility, antagonism, and alienation are embedded in the hearts of people with Adam’s fallen nature. No legislation or even punishment can change sinful hearts. Only the power of God, through the Holy Spirit, can transform selfish people into one body that reflects God’s nature.

What a witness to the power of the cross!

‭Ephesians 2:14-16 NLT‬
[14] “For Christ himself has brought peace to us. He united Jews and Gentiles into one people when, in his own body on the cross, he broke down the wall of hostility that separated us. [15] He did this by ending the system of law with its commandments and regulations. He made peace between Jews and Gentiles by creating in himself one new people from the two groups. [16] Together as one body, Christ reconciled both groups to God by means of his death on the cross, and our hostility toward each other was put to death.”

So, was the answer to Jesus’ prayer possible? No, if God’s people, like the Israelites under the Old Covenant, insist on living their lives in the flesh; but a resounding “Yes!” if, in obedience to God’s requirement and provision, we put the deeds of the flesh to death through the Spirit.

We can choose to be the answer to Jesus’ prayer or not by the way we respond to the provisions God has made. We CAN live together in unity as a powerful witness to Jesus and His death if we do as the Word says.

‭Galatians 5:16 NLT‬
[16] “So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves.”

In two ways, God’s children show the world that Jesus came to change us from a species of self-loving, hostile, enemies to God-and-people-loving, single-minded sons and daughters recreated in the image of His Son. This transformation is only possible by being born from above into the kingdom of God through the power of the Holy Spirit. Now we can live this life through the same Spirit who is in us.

THE POWER OF THE NAME – 23

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John 17:12 NLT‬
[12] ” During my time here, I protected them by the power of the name you gave me. I guarded them so that not one was lost, except the one headed for destruction, as the Scriptures foretold.”

What was Jesus saying? To whose name was He referring as the source of protection?

‭John 17:11 NIV‬
[11] “I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name, the name you gave me, so that they may be one as we are one.”

‭John 17:11 NLT‬
[11] “Now I am departing from the world; they are staying in this world, but I am coming to you. Holy Father, you have given me your name; now protect them by the power of your name so that they will be united just as we are.”

The power of your name… the name you gave me. All that God is, is enshrined in His name, so, what was the name the Father gave to Jesus that reflected His own name?

‭Luke 1:26-28 NLT‬
[26]”In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a village in Galilee, [27] to a virgin named Mary. She was engaged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of King David. [28] Gabriel appeared to her and said, “Greetings, favored woman! The Lord is with you!”
[31] You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus.”

Luke 2:8-11 NLT‬
[8]”That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. [9] Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, [10] but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. [11] The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David!”

Look at the words of Simeon…

‭‭Luke 2:30-32 NLT‬
[30]”I have seen your salvation, [31] which you have prepared for all people. [32] He is a light to reveal God to the nations, and he is the glory of your people Israel!”

Jesus… Yeshua… the name the Father gave to His Son, meaning “Saviour”, the one who would rescue His people from Satan’s clutches and transfer them to His jurisdiction and the authority of His kingdom.

When Jesus called His disciples, one by one, to follow Him, He was giving notice to Satan that He was taking over. No longer would the devil call the shots. Throughout their journey together, He would show His disciples what life in His kingdom would be like and give them opportunity to make the change from death to life.

Enshrined in the name, Yeshua, was the nature of God, the three-in-one. The three Persons of the trinity were united in their purpose to rescue people from the power of the enemy and transform them into sons of God in the image of Jesus.

Sin had broken God’s people, leaving them diseased and vulnerable to the death sin produces.

‭Isaiah 1:5-6 NLT‬
[5] “Why do you continue to invite punishment? Must you rebel forever? Your head is injured, and your heart is sick. [6] You are battered from head to foot— covered with bruises, welts, and infected wounds— without any soothing ointments or bandages.”

God’s heart was broken over the condition of His people. No matter how much He had spoken to them and pleaded with them to return, they insisted on their brokenness as their chosen way of life.

‭Hosea 11:1-2 NLT‬
[1] “When Israel was a child, I loved him, and I called my son out of Egypt. [2] But the more I called to him, the farther he moved from me, offering sacrifices to the images of Baal and burning incense to idols…
[7] For my people are determined to desert me. They call me the Most High, but they don’t truly honor me. [8] “Oh, how can I give you up, Israel? How can I let you go? How can I destroy you like Admah or demolish you like Zeboiim? My heart is torn within me, and my compassion overflows.”

Salvation is essentially wholeness, and the Saviour the one who makes people whole. No human, born in sin, could take on this role. Only one was eligible, one who had no sin of his own, no debt to pay.

God’s solution was outrageous, but the only way to cure the deadly disease of sin. He would step in and send a saviour to rescue people from their predicament. His Yeshua would establish His kingdom in earth again, setting up His reign in the hearts of those who would receive Him by faith.

‭Isaiah 9:6-7 NLT‬
[6] “For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. [7] His government and its peace will never end. He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David for all eternity. The passionate commitment of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies will make this happen!”

‭Luke 1:68-70 NLT‬
[68] “Praise the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has visited and redeemed his people. [69] He has sent us a mighty Savior from the royal line of his servant David, [70] just as he promised through his holy prophets long ago.
[74] We have been rescued from our enemies so we can serve God without fear, [75] in holiness and righteousness for as long as we live.

‭John 1:12-13 NLT‬
[12]”But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. [13] They are reborn—not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God.”

‭John 3:5-7 NLT‬
[5] “Jesus replied, “I assure you, no one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit. [6] Humans can reproduce only human life, but the Holy Spirit gives birth to spiritual life. [7] So don’t be surprised when I say, ‘You must be born again.’ “

From the beginning, Jesus knew the course of His life on earth and its outcome. He followed the plan to the letter, even to His choice of Judas Iscariot, His betrayer.

So, this was the name by which Yeshua had protected eleven of the twelve men to whom He would entrust His mission when He left them. The twelfth man was irrevocably lost to his destiny as traitor, by his own choice.

It was time to put His disciples into the hands of His Father. In His prayer, then, Yeshua entrusted the role of protector to the Father whose name He bore. “God is salvation”, the character that His name carried, would ensure that every detail of the Father’s plan, which Jesus had entrusted to His disciples, would be carried out to completion, even to the one who would hand His Son over to His enemies.

YOUR WORD IS TRUTH – 22

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John 17:14-17 NIV‬
[14] “I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. [15] My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. [16] They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. [17] Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.”

Jesus’ prayer centred, first, on Himself, not to save Him from His ordeal, but to achieve His purpose.

‭John 17:1 NLT‬
[1]” After saying all these things, Jesus looked up to heaven and said, “Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son so he can give glory back to you.”

Everything Jesus was and did on earth was designed to shine the light on Himself so that He, in turn, could reveal the true nature of the Father. He was the perfect reflection of the Father in human form.

‭Hebrews 1:3 NLT‬
[3]”The Son radiates God’s own glory and expresses the very character of God… “

He expressed His submission to the Father in four little words – “the hour has come.”

Jesus’ second focus was the group of men, excluding Judas Iscariot, who were to continue His mission in earth. He was concerned for their personal protection, not from the “evil one” as most translations interpret, but from the evil within them that posed a far greater danger to them than the devil.

‭John 17:12 NLT‬
[12] “During my time here, I protected them by the power of the name you gave me. I guarded them so that not one was lost, except the one headed for destruction, as the Scriptures foretold…
[14] I have given them your word. And the world hates them because they do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. [15] I’m not asking you to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil (one)…
[17] Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth.”

Why would Jesus be concerned about the enemy’s efforts to harm His disciples? Would He Himself not defeat and disarm him through His death?

‭‭Colossians 2:14-15 NLT‬
[14] “He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross. [15] In this way, he disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by his victory over them on the cross.”

What are the devil’s weapons against God’s people? Lies! Deception! Accusation! Condemnation! All are designed to breed mistrust and fear, to break our unity with God and destroy our fellowship with the Father and the Son through the Holy Spirit.

How did Jesus win the victory?

“He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross.”

Jesus paid our debt, forgave our sin, cleared our record of all charges against us, and broke sin’s power over us by giving us a new nature.

Now the devil has nothing to substantiate his accusations. Whatever he uses to accuse us is a lie. He can’t even keep his grip on us through our old evil desires because we have a new nature; we are being transformed into the likeness of Jesus.

‭Romans 8:28-29 NLT‬
[28] “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. [29] For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become LIKE HIS SON, so that his Son would be the firstbrevealing His heart attitude to the coming ordeal,
orn among many brothers and sisters.”

God’s people have a powerful weapon to protect them from the devil’s schemes to deceive… the truth!

‭Ephesians 6:14-17 NLT‬
[14]”Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. [15] For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. [16] In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. [17] Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”

The truth about righteousness, peace,
faith, and salvation are all to be found in the Word of God. It is the truth which cuts through all the devil’s lies, exposes his wiles, and frees us from his efforts to drive a wedge between us and God.

Jesus’ prayer, then, is that the Father would activate His Word in the hearts of His disciples. Protected by the truth from the devil’s lies and the lure of their old nature, they woud be set apart from sin to God, clean vessels to do His will.

So, Jesus did not give much credit to the devil’s attempts to attack His disciples. He was more concerned about His disciples’ ability to defend themselves against Satan’s tricks because there was a traitor within them. They had an old nature that would side with the enemy unless it was brought under control.

The only way to overcome the devil was to discern his lies and neutralise them with the truth.

In a rather blunt way, James put it like this,

‭James 4:7-8 NLT‬
[7] “So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. [8] Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world.”

As disciples of Jesus we, too, are eligible to be beneficiaries of His prayer. However, we all have the potential to be tricked into condemnation or trapped into sin if we are not committed to walking in the truth of God’s Word.

We have powerful protection if we are armed with truth. We can live daily in security and peace if we take up the shield of faith and buckle on the belt of truth. These are our safeguard against a defeated foe. STAND, therefore!