We sometimes call this time of year the season of joy. And there is great joy as we celebrate Jesus’ birth. Some of us experience circumstantial joy as we gather with family and friends, enjoy good food and drink, and share gifts with one another. But can we experience a deep joy that transcends our circumstances and this short-lived Christmas season?
In John’s gospel, Jesus is praying for His followers — then and now — and He prays to the Father that “the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.” (John 17:23b). That simple petition equips us to face any challenge in life, even death itself, while experiencing unbelievable joy. I realize that is quite a claim, but I invite you to reflect on this for a moment.
Jesus was born. We celebrate this truth at Christmas. But He was not merely born, He was sent. This means He existed before He was born. This is a divine claim. Jesus was not only another human, and not merely a good human teacher telling us how to live, how to save ourselves. No — He was sent. He’s the Son of God who came to save us! He came to live the life we were supposed to live, and die the death we should have died, so when we trust in Him, the Father accepts us — not because of our work, but because of His. Jesus prays that the world would know that He is the Sent One, the Saviour!
Then Jesus prays that the world would know that the Father loves us just as the Father loved Him. That is a remarkable truth. This is not religion as usual — the idea that God would love us as we deserve; live a good life and God will love you in proportion to your goodness. No, Jesus claims that the Father loves those who trust in Him, even as the Father loved Him. In short, Jesus prays that the world would know the Gospel, the good news that the moment we believe in the Sent One, God doesn’t love us as we deserve, but as Jesus deserves. That’s an incredible idea; now, if only that idea could sink in.
A great British preacher from the last century, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, stated:
“In this Christian life, there are many problems and difficulties, but most, if not all of our problems arise when we fail to realize, understand and appreciate what is the real truth about those who trust in Christ.”
This statement in John 17 is not an abstract truth — it is foundational truth for you if you believe in Jesus. God loves you, even as He loves His Son. God sent His Son for you. This truth is revolutionary when we meditate on it, when we let it permeate the core of our being. You are loved by the Father in Heaven. That truth gives you the strength to face anything and to do so with remarkable joy!
