Winter Quarter: Unit II, Lesson 8

Most of us have heard of people being released from prison after serving many years for crimes they did not commit. There are others who have been released for crimes they did commit, but their time sentenced by the courts did not fit the crime. In other words, the weight and length of their sentencing far exceeded the weight and length of others’ who committed similar crimes. California was notorious for their unjust sentencing practices under their “three strikes” law. Under the “three strikes” law, an offender on his/her third criminal offense would face a mandatory twenty-five-years-to-life sentence even if the crime was as marginal as stealing a bar of soap. Unjust law sentencing included the war on drugs where it was (and still is) common for those of color or those who are poor to receive longer sentencing for weed or crack than others of a notable financial status would receive for cocaine, a more high-end drug. The opioid crisis has not leveled the playing fields by any means, as legislatures are referring to the opioid issue as a mental-health crisis, while the crack issue is still referred to as an illegal-drug-use issue. Both are crippling addictions, and both need a remedy, assistance, and intervention. Currently, the opioid addiction is receiving legislative actions as various vocal advocates call for accountability from pharmaceutical companies and for funding and support to help those addicted. Those who have been unjustly sentenced have people who stand in the gap and advocate for their release based on unfair legal practices, misrepresentation, misuse of the law, bogus evidence and testimonies, and DNA evidences. The racial disparities that exist among the sentencing for our youth and young adults who are serving hard time for drug related, non-violent offenses can be disheartening. In all of the noted situations, there are people working on behalf of those who are serving time, willing to stand in the gap and fight for equal justice for them. Some advocates are willing to face public and private ridicule for fighting for those who are incarcerated, especially if they did the crime; yet, none have been noted for their willingness to endure the punishment and take their place for them so that the imprisoned may be free. This is the power of Jesus’ intercessory act on the Cross, and His continually petitioning prayer on our behalf. Not only is He advocating on our behalf, but He also took our place so that we may be free!

Set Apart to Intercede (John 17:14-16)

KJV

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.

15 I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.

16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.

 

NIV

14 “I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world.

15 “My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one.

16 “They are not of the world, even as I am not of it.”

The Lord’s Prayer continues as Jesus intercedes on behalf of the disciples. (Note: The Lord’s Model Prayer is Matthew 6:9-15 and Luke 11:2-4.) Jesus prays that even as He gave them the Word, the world was hating them (verse 14a). Jesus further explains the reason for the hatred as a result of the transforming power of God’s Word, for the Word makes us not of this world, but more like Jesus, who is not of this world but of the heavenly realm (verse 14b). What is even more fulfilling and transforming is a quick remembrance of John 1:14, which reminds us that Jesus is God’s Word made flesh, incarnated, to dwell with us on earth. Jesus, knowing the hatred of the world and the trials to come, does not pray for us to be removed from the world but He prays that the Father keep us from the evil of the world (verse 15). The world is, since the fall of man, in rebellion against God and hates those reconciled to God and those attempting to lead others into reconciliation. The world rejects holiness, the thought of holiness, and those who seek to practice holiness. Jesus knows that the keeping power of God is more than enough to sustain us in this world. Jesus then reiterates the fact that we are not of this world just as Jesus is not of this world (verse 16). We are partners with Christ. As partners, we must understand that we have been set apart from the world, yet remain in the world, for a purpose. The world needs our intercessory prayers and participation in order for our communities and nations to change for the better.

 

WHAT DO YOU THINK? How do we avoid slipping into our comfort zone and not engaging the world for Christ?

 

Sanctified to Intercede (John 17:17-21)

KJV

17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.

18 As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world.

19 And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.

20 Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;

21 That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.

 

NIV

17 “Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.

18 “As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world.

19 “For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified.

20 “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message,

21 “that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.”

 

Jesus further prays for an additional covering for the disciples. He has prayed that the disciples remain in the world, knowing that they are set apart for the glory of God and knowing that they are attached to the Word of God, Jesus Christ. The additional prayer is for sanctification by the truth, which is the Word of God (verse 17). To sanctify means “to consecrate, anoint, and/or to make holy.” The disciples had been set apart, and now Jesus expands the setting apart to include sanctification. This sanctifying of the disciples casts another layer of protective covering upon them as they carry out the work of the Lord just as Jesus has done (verse 18). Jesus is proclaiming that the disciples are literally ordained to do what He has done throughout the land in the same manner, method, and makeup, and with the same message as Jesus. Jesus further explains that the sanctification upon the disciples is done by Him and through Him so that they may truly and fully be covered by Him for the work (verse 19). Jesus then further extends the covering of His prayer to all of those who are to come that will believe in Jesus based on the message delivered by the disciples (verse 20). To ensure no mistake or selfish intents by those who are now sanctified, Jesus explains the covering as being for the unity of the body of Christ—that we may be one, just as Jesus and the Father are one (verse 21a). As if our being unified was not enough, Jesus then adds within the prayer that we who are unified might also be unified with Christ and the Father for the sole purpose of calling the world to believe in the Father and His saving grace through Christ Jesus, whom the Father sent (verse 21b). Jesus is saying that our sanctification is not solely for us, but for the body of believers and also for this world that is rebelling against God—so that it may come to receive Him for themselves.

 

WHAT DO YOU THINK? As we are sanctified and empowered with God for God, how can we engage other saints of other churches and denominations for the work of Christ Jesus?

 

 

Shining to Intercede (John 17:22-24)

KJV

22 And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one:

23 I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.

24 Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.

NIV

22 “I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one—

23 “I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.

24 “Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world.”

 

Jesus continued His prayer with the sharing of His glory upon the disciples and His future followers (verse 22a). This is done by Jesus just as the Father had done with Him (see John 17:5). Jesus explains the purpose of this sharing of His glory as the need to unify the believers just as the Godhead is unified (verse 22b). Jesus takes time to elaborate on the unity by specifically praying that He is in the believers and the Father is in Him (verse 23a). This system of spiritual unity provides for a perfect unit (verse 23b), unified and ready to impact the world. Verse 23b closes with an elaboration on love. The world is watching and by seeing the unity of the church, the believers of God, the world sees the power, love, and unity of God. The essence of God’s equipping us is not for us to shine amongst each other but to shine throughout the world. Verse 24 closes the lesson as Jesus prays for the Father to allow the believers given to Christ by Him to be allowed to behold, see/ witness, the glory of Himself which was bestowed upon Him in love before the foundation of the world. Jesus is emphasizing an everlasting love that has endured the test of time. This glory that we are to shine throughout the world is a humble glory light. Jesus’ glory was one that would appear weak, as it was one of humility as God the Son, the suffering Christ. For the disciples then and disciples now to intercede in this world, experiencing humility and suffering is mandatory.

 

WHAT DO YOU THINK? The world is in need of light. What are we doing wrong in sharing the light, and what can we do to better shine and intercede for others in this world?

This unit has dealt with Jesus and the calls in His ministry. An attempt was made to connect the calls of Christ to the call for the Christian in Christ today. We are all called to share the Gospel, called to be His disciples, called to heal one another, and called to intercede for one another. If the Christian does not share his or her light of God and love for God to the world, it impedes the ability of the Gospel to go forward. We cannot intercede and impede at the same time.

This week, make a list of those you need to intercede for in prayer, along with their specific need. Start with those you know and then move to adding people you do not know. With all the violence and tragedy being reported in the world, you can add people from the news. You can add someone who is on an unholy rant on a social-media site. You can always add the leadership of your church, community, and this country. Do not just make the list, but actually take time every day this week to pray for those who are on it.

Seek to contact someone from your list, personal and non-personal, and let that person know that you have been praying for him or her. This can be done by phone call, text, social-media post, e-mail, or letter in the mail. Imagine the response of someone who receives an unexpected, unsolicited card or letter stating “I have been praying for you.”

Lord, use us as Your vessels. Use us individually and collectively. Draw out of us anything that is not like You. Bind us together in love, just as the unity and love of the Godhead are bound together, so that we may serve You with humility and excellence. Lord, we love You. It is in the marvelous name of Jesus that we pray. Amen.

While reading the Background Scripture, consider this thought: “Do I have a heart filled with gratitude and, if so, how do I show it?”

(January 25-31, 2021)
PROPHESYING DAUGHTERS
MONDAY, January 25: “Jesus Supports Mary’s Choice” (Luke 10:38-42)
TUESDAY, January 26: “Jesus Responds to Sisters’ Call” (John 11:1-11)
WEDNESDAY, January 27: “Jesus Raises Lazarus; Mary Believes” (John 11:38-45)
THURSDAY, January 28: “Women Carry Resurrection Message to Apostles” (Luke 24:5-10)
FRIDAY, January 29: “Jesus’ Final Words and Ascension” (Luke 24:44-53)
SATURDAY, January 30: “Simeon Sees Impact of Jesus’ Ministry” (Luke 2:28-35)
SUNDAY, January 31: “The Spirit Empowers Daughters to Prop” (Luke 2:36-38; Acts 2:16-21; 21:8-9)