John 17:14 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.
 
We probably should not zoom past this verse too quickly to find our next nugget in John 17. This verse is nugget all by itself.
 
When Jesus says that He has given the word to those whom the Father gave to Him, He is referring to Himself. According to John 1:1-3, Jesus is the Word given to man by the Father.
 
John 1:1-2 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God.
 
Jesus gave Himself as an offering, pouring Himself out for mankind. Jesus willingly spilled His blood for us as a propitiation to the Father for our sin. The Apostle Paul gives us the same imagery in Philippians 2:17.
 
Philippians 2:17 Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all.
 
…
 
There seems to be this huge cognitive gap between phrases, but there really isn’t one, “I have given them your word…” and then, “…and the world has hated them because they are not of this world.”
 
Jesus gave Himself. He is truly the gift from the Father that keeps on giving. As a matter of truth, the gift of Jesus is so powerful it changes the title or deed of a person. Jesus purchases a person who believes that He is the Word of God.
 
That transfer of ownership fiercely stirs up the world. Every single person who believes that Jesus Christ is the message, and the messenger, becomes hated by the living venom in this world.
 
Every person who believes that Jesus is the Son of God and has accepted the forgiveness of God for their sin becomes a drop of anti-venom. Now, people can live their entire life without seeing the reality of what I just said because many do not care to see the spiritual implications of their faith.
 
Unfortunately, their faith is what they see with their eyes and what they can touch with their hands. Here is a verse that sheds light on a God follower from a spiritual viewpoint.
 
Ephesians 1:13-14 In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.
 
In the heavenlies you are marked. You are sealed with a seal that demands… HANDS OFF!
 
The enemy cannot have access to you to deceive you; unless you give him authority to do so. That seal is the seal of God, you have the authority of Jesus and you now out-rank the devil himself.
 
When you speak the Bible, when you pray, when you minister in faith, in the heavenlies, it is as though Jesus Himself is doing whatever you are doing. Can you now see why the world hates who you are?
 
Now picture this, there are all these little Jesuses running around and messing up the Devil’s plan. All these little Jesuses have the same authority as the One who gave Himself as the message and the messenger to mankind – Jesus the Son of God, our Lord and Savior! Go God!      
 
Father, help us realize who we are. Please forgive us for our continual belief that the things of this world define us. Lord, Your Son defines us. Jesus what You did on the cross for us created quite a stir in the heavenlies and we thank You that we get to be a part of your master plan to redeem what has been broken. Your cross has made all the difference, thank You.
 
Blessings,
Pastor D