January 10, 1988
The disciples walked and talked with Jesus. They knew the sound of His voice and felt the touch of His hand. Yet in John 17, they found themselves facing the same question that every follower of Christ has faced since: How can we be disciples of Christ when we can’t see Him, hear Him, or touch Him in the flesh? Alistair Begg teaches us that Jesus left a design for discipleship and explains five characteristics that mark His disciples, both then and today.
13But now I am coming to you, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have my joy fulfilled in themselves. 14I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 15I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one.1 16They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 17Sanctify them2 in the truth; your word is truth. 18As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. 19And for their sake I consecrate myself,3 that they also may be sanctified4 in truth.
Copyright © 2023, Alistair Begg. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture taken from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. Copyright ©2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Text provided by the Crossway Bibles Web Service.