The Real Lord's Prayer - Pt. 4

 

[Jesus said] “And I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are one. While I was with them, I kept them in your name, which you have given me. I have guarded them, and not one of them has been lost except the son of destruction, that the Scripture might be fulfilled. But now I am coming to you, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have my joy fulfilled in themselves. I 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. I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth.” (John 17:11-19 ESV).

 

Jesus asks the Father to sanctify the disciples in truth. I am not sure we can emphasize the importance of truth enough. This may be the information age, but much of that information is either blatantly false or it is truth mixed with error, and truth mixed with error is also false. While our society seems to have an attitude that truth is not something to be overly concerned about, God is very concerned about it. He desires truth to be in the innermost being of a person (cf. Psalm 51:6). Those who worship Him must do so in spirit and in truth (cf. John 4:24). We are to walk in the truth (cf. Psalm 86:11) and speak the truth in love (cf. Ephesians 4:25). Those who suppress the truth in unrighteousness will find themselves under the wrath of God (cf. Romans 1:18). Truth is so important to God that Jesus states that He is the truth (cf. John 14:6).

 

Jesus asks God to sanctify the disciples in truth for truth will cause sanctification in those that desire to follow God. It will separate people from their sinful practices. A person pursuing righteousness will change to match the truth even if it’s contrary to the practices of their own culture. Truth will win out. However, those who do not desire to follow God will suppress the truth and mix it with their own thoughts so they can continue to do what they want. Humans have an incredible capacity to justify themselves or shift the blame elsewhere.

 

Truth is that which is in keeping with ultimate reality. It is found in God’s word as Jesus states here, “Thy Word is truth.” But the ministry of truth would not end with Jesus’ departure. The statement here that “Thy Word is truth” applies to all of Scripture (cf. 2 Timothy 3:16-17). As we have seen earlier, the Holy Spirit would continue the ministry that Jesus began with the disciples. The Holy Spirit would also disclose what the Father said and lead the disciples into all truth (cf. John 16:13). The Bible is truth. It makes no claim to speak on every subject, but it is sufficient itself for everything pertaining to life and godliness. The Bible is not a text book on every subject, but any subject it comments upon even in the most minor way is truth. It is inerrant and infallible. Jesus sanctifies, completes us in Scripture. It is truth!