Live to Love Scripture Encouragement John 17.19-20

John 17:19-20 “For their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they themselves also may be sanctified in truth. I do not ask on behalf of these alone, but for those also who believe in Me through their word;” Jesus asked the Father to sanctify His disciples through His Word (17:17), namely, the commandment to believe in Him, who is the truth, and love with Him who is the way (13:34). This was made possible through His unswerving dedication to lay Himself down for them. He did it then, as He willingly, intentionally, went to the cross. The impact of such love was intended to thrust them into the world with the same dedication, intention, and willingness to lay their lives down—living to love with Jesus. Jesus could see that His prayer for His disciples extended also to all who would believe because He sanctified Himself to God’s purpose so that they would be sanctified to God’s purpose, so that we also might be sanctified to God’s glorious, redemptive, purpose. How do we know if Jesus was praying for us? If we have believed in Jesus through the words of Jesus’ first disciples, then we were and still are in the mind and intercession of the Son of God. What does this mean to us? It means, we are united with Christ, set apart to God’s holiness, to His redemptive, loving purpose in this world. This purpose sets us apart from everyone else in the world. The world lives for this world. We have been set apart to live to love with Jesus for the glory of God. I hope this encourages you like it does me. What an incredible and glorious way to live! Acknowledgment: Music from “Carried by the Father” by Eric Terlizzi. www.ericterlizzi.com