Enough Already! – May 17, 2024

Read: John 17:11-19

[Jesus said] “My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. . . Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world.”
John 17:15,17,18

Enough Already!

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Wouldn’t it be easier if we were in heaven already? We wouldn’t have sicknesses or hurt feelings. We wouldn’t have to go to school. No one would tell us when to go to bed. In heaven, we will be free of all the “do’s and don’ts” we have in life now.

Jesus knows this world is tough. He lived here. He spent a lot of time with his disciples, pointing out the dangers of sin, showing them how to stand strong, and warning them that bigger challenges were coming. And he prayed for their protection and faith.

Why didn’t Jesus just take his disciples with him to heaven? Why did he leave them in the world to face all these battles? We find the answer right in Jesus’ prayer: “As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world.” Jesus came to this world to show sinful people the way to heaven. The disciples learned that the way to heaven is through faith in Jesus (John 14:6). Now Jesus was sending his disciples out into the world to share that news with others who needed to hear it. If Jesus had taken the disciples to heaven with him, many people would not have heard the message of salvation. Jesus gave them important, people-saving work to do.

Instead of taking them to heaven, Jesus prayed for his disciples. He asked the Father to protect them. Then he asked that his Father would help sanctify them for their important work. The word “sanctify” means to be dedicated. If you are dedicated to something, you believe in it so strongly that you give it your all. Jesus pointed to the one thing that would keep the disciples dedicated in the face of difficulty—the truth about himself and his saving work. We find that truth—the source of strength for all disciples of Jesus—in God’s Word.

Jesus’ disciples carried his message of salvation everywhere they went. That’s how God grew his family of believers. It was a big job for the disciples then, and it’s a big job for us now. It would absolutely be more fun to be in heaven with Jesus right now! We can look forward to it. Until then, he trusts us with the important work of speaking his truth to someone who really needs to hear it. And he gives us everything we need for the task.

Closing Prayer:

Dear Jesus, we can’t wait to be with you in heaven. Until then, give us the opportunities and courage to speak the truth about you so more people can join us in heaven. Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

• Name as many people as you can that you like to see in heaven with you someday.
• Pretend there’s a person who doesn’t know Jesus. Share at least two things you would want to share with them about Jesus.

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• What important work did Jesus give his followers to do?
• Do you feel you are ready and able to do this work? Why (or why not)?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• What is the one thing we must always focus on if we are going to be “dedicated” to the work of making more disciples for Jesus?
• Think of the people who shared Jesus in your life. Name one thing they did that you would want to imitate.