Protection, Not Removed: A Deeper Look at John 17:15

Protection, Not Removed: A Deeper Look at John 17:15

In the Upper Room, just hours before His crucifixion, Jesus poured out His heart to the Father in what is often called His High Priestly Prayer. Amidst this profound intercession for His disciples, we find the poignant plea in John 17:15: “My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one.”

This verse offers a powerful and counter-intuitive perspective on God’s will for His followers. Our natural inclination, when faced with the harsh realities of a fallen world, is often to long for escape. We might wish for a secluded life, free from temptation, suffering, and the pervasive influence of evil. We might even pray for removal, a swift ascent to glory that bypasses the trials of this earthly existence.

Yet, Jesus prays precisely the opposite. He doesn’t ask for a divine evacuation of His disciples from a hostile environment. He knows that their purpose, and ours, is to be in the world, not of it. We are called to be salt and light (Matthew 5:13-16), to bear witness to His truth, and to participate in His redemptive work right where we are. Taking us out of the world would negate this divine commission.

Instead, Jesus prays for protection from the evil one. This highlights a crucial distinction. The world, with its systems and values, can be influenced by evil, but it is not inherently evil in its creation.

The true enemy is “the evil one,” Satan, who seeks to devour, deceive, and destroy. Jesus’ prayer is a recognition of this spiritual warfare and a request for divine safeguarding against the insidious schemes of the enemy.

This protection is not a guarantee of a problem-free life. We will still face trials, temptations, and hardships. But it is a promise of divine preservation through them. It means that even amidst the fiercest storms, the evil one cannot ultimately snatch us from God’s hand (John 10:28-29).

It means that we are equipped with the spiritual armor to stand firm (Ephesians 6:10-18). It means that the Holy Spirit dwells within us, empowering us to resist temptation and walk in righteousness.
John 17:15 calls us to embrace our calling as ambassadors for Christ in the world, not to shrink back from it.

It reminds us that our security lies not in our ability to avoid difficulty, but in the unwavering protection of our Heavenly Father, a protection secured by the very prayer of Jesus Himself. We are not abandoned to the wiles of the enemy, but are shielded by the Almighty, enabling us to live boldly and purposefully for Him, even in a world that often seems hostile.

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the profound prayer of Jesus, who understood our need for protection amidst the challenges of this world. We confess that at times we long for escape, but we now embrace our calling to be in this world, shining Your light. We pray, as Jesus did, that You would protect us from the evil one. Guard our minds from deception, our hearts from temptation, and our steps from straying. Strengthen us with Your Spirit to stand firm against all the schemes of the enemy. May we walk in wisdom, courage, and discernment, knowing that Your hand is upon us. In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.

The safest place in the world is in the will of God, even when it takes us into the heart of the storm.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼