Jesus is Essential
John 17:7–8: Now they have known that all things which You have given Me are from You. For I have given to them the words which You have given Me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came forth from You; and they have believed that You sent Me.
The little flock of disciples was given by the Father to the Son. They had been separated out of the world (“world” occurs 18 times in this chapter). This separation was by the electing work of the Father, in which the apostles had been given as a gift to Jesus Christ. With the words, They have obeyed Your Word, Jesus praised His disciples for responding to the message of God in Jesus Christ. The disciples were not perfect, but they had the right commitment. Their faith in Jesus was a trust in His union with the Father. This faith in Jesus was manifested in their obedience to His words because they believed in His divine mission. 1
Walking with Jesus
Jesus reported to His Father that His disciples were men of commitment. They were known for their obedience to His Word. Since obedience is the mark of commitment, what kind of follower of Jesus are you? Jesus praises obedience. What would Jesus say to His Father about you? Is your will more important than His will for your life? Remember, the Lord is offering His best for you. He wants you to experience victory and not defeat. Read Joshua 1:8-9 and let God’s Word encourage you forward.
For the Father Himself loves you, because you have loved Me, and have believed that I came forth from God. John 16:27
Jesus reported to His Father that His disciples believed and obeyed. Do you?
Praying
Lord, thank You for calling me to follow You, and to receive all that You have for me.
1. Walvoord, John F., & Zuck, R. B., Dallas Theological Seminary. (1985). The Bible Knowledge Commentary.
