“I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them me; and they have kept thy word.” - John 17:6
Charles “Tremendous” Jones is known for saying, “You will be the same person in five years as you are today except for the people you meet and the books you read.” I would probably add to that list, but I do agree that the books you read and the people you associate with will greatly impact that kind of person you become. Many young people have been led astray by the bad company they have kept. On the other hand, some have become honorable people because of the strong, healthy relationships they've maintained.
Think about the group that Jesus chose to hang around with. They weren't statesmen, politicians or wealthy entrepreneurs. The twelve men that were chosen were common men. These guys were working men. Some of them had a rough edge. On the surface, they didn't seem very impressive.
In John 17, Jesus prays for these men. Jesus said, “I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world.” Jesus spent time with these men, pouring into their lives. He taught them. They observed His character, conduct and conversations. He made an investment in their lives. Most of all, He revealed the truth to them. Jesus said, “I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me...” They were taught about the Father and His will.
Notice that Jesus said that He revealed the Father's Name to them. These days, names don't have the impact they once did. Parents give children rather unusual names these days, simply seeking to be different or creative in the name choice. In Biblical times, names had a great deal of meaning.
Yet there is Name that is above all others. Many have an utter disregard of this Name. Others only use it as they swear or curse. Yet it is a holy Name. The Name of the Lord is to be reverenced. His Name is to be respected.
It bothers me to hear unbelievers use the Name of the Lord in vain. I am offended when they use His Name as part of their profanity. I am more bothered that professing believers use His Name so carelessly. His Name is holy and should be treated with the awe and respect that it deserves.
Notice how Jesus refers to His disciples in this verse: “... the men which thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them me; and they have kept thy word.” According to Jesus, the disciples were given to Him by the Father. Yes, the disciples chose to follow Jesus, but they did that in response to the Lord's calling.
The choice of the disciples is very interesting. They weren't chosen based on education, experience or appearance. Some may have called them misfits. Yet God showed His awesome power through common earthly vessels. Even today, the most treasured saints aren't known for their college degrees or natural beauty. It seems as though the most unqualified people are used most by the Lord. In 1 Corinthians 1:27, Paul put it this way, “But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty.” God chooses the most unusual people to accomplish the most amazing feats. Through it all, His power is displayed for His glory.
Finally, Jesus said, “... they have kept thy word.” Earlier, in John 14:15, Jesus told His disciples, “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” These days, there is a lack of preaching from pulpits about the subject of obedience. I wish to be clear about something. I do NOT believe that a person is saved by works. A person is saved by grace through faith in Christ Jesus. While I do not believe a person is saved by works, I believe that a saved person will have a desire to work after salvation. That was the case with the disciples. That's way it should be with us today.
Jesus specifically talked to His Father about His disciples. He cared for them. Thus it is no surprise that He would pray for them.
I have a prayer list, don't you? Yet there are times I don't consult a list. Certain people are so dear to me that I don't have to refer to a list to pray for them. Jesus didn't need a list either. He had walked with this men for over three years and knew them very well. He prayed for them.
He cares for us as well and is presently interceding for us.
Can you think of a more comforting truth than this?
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