John 17:14

“I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.”

Context:The passage you mentioned is part of Jesus’ prayer to the Father, commonly known as the “High Priestly Prayer.” This prayer takes place during the Last Supper, just before Jesus’ arrest and crucifixion. In this specific verse, Jesus is referring to His disciples.

Jesus’ followers and the Word of God:Jesus says, “I have given them thy word.” Here, “thy word” refers to the teachings and instructions that Jesus received from the Father and passed on to His disciples. Throughout His ministry, Jesus shared the truth of God’s Word with His followers, revealing the Father’s will, His redemptive plan, and the path to eternal life.

Being not of the world:Jesus goes on to say, “the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.” The disciples, like Jesus, were not of the world. This means that their identity, values, and mission were not aligned with the ways and priorities of the world. As followers of Jesus, they were called to live according to God’s kingdom principles rather than conforming to the world’s standards.

The world’s response:Jesus acknowledges that the world would hate His disciples because of their nonconformity. The world, influenced by sin and estranged from God, often opposes those who adhere to God’s truth and righteousness. The disciples faced opposition, persecution, and even martyrdom as they lived out their faith and proclaimed the gospel message.

Application for believers:This verse holds relevance for Christians today. Believers are called to be in the world but not of the world. They are called to live according to the teachings of Jesus, to be transformed by the renewing of their minds (Romans 12:2), and to be a light in the darkness (Matthew 5:14). The world may not always understand or accept their commitment to Christ, but they are to remain steadfast, relying on God’s Word for guidance and strength.

The assurance of Jesus’ presence:It’s important to note that Jesus’ prayer in John 17 not only acknowledges the challenges His disciples would face but also provides comfort and assurance. In the following verses, Jesus asks the Father to protect and sanctify His disciples and expresses His desire for them to be with Him where He is.