Expository Thoughts On John - JOHN 17:9-16
J.C. Ryle expounds on Jesus' intercessory prayer in John 17:9-16, emphasizing Christ's special care and protection for His believers amidst a hostile world.
In this expository sermon on John 17:9-16, J.C. Ryle explores the profound truths of Christ's intercessory prayer for His disciples. He highlights the special care Jesus has for believers, their distinct identity from the world, and the protection granted to them amidst opposition. Ryle challenges listeners to appreciate the comfort found in Christ's ongoing advocacy and the unity believers share with the Father and the Son.
Text
"I am praying on behalf of them. I am not praying on behalf of the world, but on behalf of those you have given me, because they belong to you. Everything I have belongs to you, and everything you have belongs to me, and I have been glorified by them. I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them safe in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one just as we are one. When I was with them I kept them safe and watched over them in your name that you have given me. Not one of them was lost except the one destined for destruction, so that the scripture could be fulfilled. But now I am coming to you, and I am saying these things in the world, so they may experience my joy completed in themselves. I have given them your word, and the world has hated them, because they do not belong to the world just as I do not belong to the world. I am not asking you to take them out of the world, but that you keep them safe from the evil one. They do not belong to the world just as I do not belong to the world.
These verses, like every part of this wonderful chapter, contain some deep things which are "hard to be understood." But there are two plain points standing out on the face of the passage which deserve the special attention of all true Christians. Passing by all other points, let us fix our attention on these two.
We learn, for one thing, that the Lord Jesus does things for His believing people which He does not do for the wicked and unbelieving. He helps their souls by special intercession. He says, "I pray for them--I pray not for the world, but for those who You have given Me."
The doctrine before us is one which is specially hated by the world. Nothing gives such offence, and stirs up such bitter feeling among the wicked, as the idea of God making any distinction between man and man, and loving one person more than another. Yet the world\
Sermon Outline
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I
- Jesus prays specifically for His chosen disciples, not the world
- Believers belong to God and are distinct from the world
- Christ’s intercession is a special help for the souls of believers
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II
- The world hates believers because they do not belong to it
- Believers are not to be taken out of the world but kept safe from evil
- Christ’s prayer emphasizes protection from the evil one
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III
- The unity between the Father and the Son is a model for believers’ unity
- Christ’s glorification is linked to the faithfulness of His followers
- The fulfillment of Scripture includes the preservation of believers
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IV
- The doctrine of God’s special love for believers is offensive to the world
- God makes distinctions in His love and care among people
- Believers should find comfort in Christ’s intercession and protection
Key Quotes
“I am praying on behalf of them. I am not praying on behalf of the world, but on behalf of those you have given me, because they belong to you.” — J.C. Ryle
“I am not asking you to take them out of the world, but that you keep them safe from the evil one.” — J.C. Ryle
“Nothing gives such offence, and stirs up such bitter feeling among the wicked, as the idea of God making any distinction between man and man.” — J.C. Ryle
Application Points
- Trust in Christ’s ongoing intercession as a source of spiritual protection and strength.
- Recognize your distinct identity as a believer set apart from the world’s values and influences.
- Seek unity with fellow Christians as a reflection of the unity between the Father and the Son.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Jesus mean by praying 'not for the world but for those you have given me'?
Jesus is interceding specifically for His chosen followers, indicating a special relationship and care distinct from the unbelieving world.
Why does the world hate believers according to this passage?
Because believers do not belong to the world just as Christ does not, their allegiance to God sets them apart and causes opposition.
Does Jesus pray for believers to be taken out of the world?
No, Jesus prays that believers be kept safe from the evil one while remaining in the world.
What is the significance of Christ’s unity with the Father in this prayer?
It serves as a model for the unity believers are to have with one another and reflects the divine relationship that protects and glorifies them.
How should Christians respond to the doctrine of God’s special love for believers?
They should take comfort and assurance in Christ’s intercession and protection, despite the offense it may cause the world.