“I have revealed you to those whom you gave me out of the world. They were yours; you gave them to me and they have obeyed your word.” — John 17:6
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John 17:6 references the 11 true disciples who were with Jesus on His final night. For more than three years, Jesus traveled around Israel with this group of men. They slept in the same locations and shared meals together. They worked together and relaxed together. Despite failures and shortcomings among this group, Jesus never gave up on them. He made a difference in their lives, and ultimately the world, by committing Himself to them.
Jesus’ commitment to them was built around the accountability that “they have obeyed your word.” These men weren’t just friends with common interests. They weren’t just about friendship but about genuine Christian fellowship. That requires time in and accountability to the Word of God. Jesus taught and retaught it to them. He applied it to daily life. He quoted it from memory. God’s Word was central to their mission and purpose.
During His earthly life, Jesus never left the geographical boundaries of Israel. Following His crucifixion, resurrection and ascension back to Heaven, these 11 men scattered out around the world to proclaim the Word of God as Jesus had poured into them. That one person (Jesus) impacted his team (the 11) to change the world.
Commit your life to others in sharing God’s Word and you’ll change the world.
— Jeff Totten, Detroit Tigers chaplain
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