What Jesus Did! 'Disciples Do Not Belong to the World' — John 17:14-15

Thursday, October 29, 2026

Yearly Bible Reading Plans

Read through the entire bible in 2026 with our free online and printable plans.

 See Plans
[Jesus continued his prayer:] "I have given [my disciples] your word. And the world hates them because they do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. I'm not asking you to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one."
— John 17:14-15 NLT

Key Thought

God loves the world. He sent his Son to die to redeem the world. But, the world does not love God. The world, its processes and powers, rejected God's Son. Since we have become Christians, we are no longer part of the world opposed to God and his work. We should not be surprised when the world does not accept us. We should not be shocked when the world opposes and hates us. Jesus longs to protect us, but he does ask us to live in the place of risk; he calls us to join him in helping redeem people caught by the processes and powers of this current world. We are called to live in the light even though we are in a dark world. We are to shine our light to help those trapped in darkness find their way to the one true light, Jesus. [1] As we do this, we know that Jesus is our advocate at the Father's side, asking that we be kept safe from the evil one.

[1] John 12:46.

Today's Prayer

Grant me courage and compassion, dear Father, as I live in the place of both danger and grace - that place of redemption where light penetrates the darkness, and lost men and women are rescued from the decay and despotism of the world and its dark prince. Keep my heart on the light, and my strength renewed when I face the powers of darkness and the hate this world might offer. Please, dear Father, guard my heart against cynicism and hate, so that I can be one of your many tools of redemption. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

9 Related Resources by Heartlight

John 17:15
Devo: Today's Verse
"My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one."
Spurgeon AM Devo for May. 2nd
Devo: Morning & Evening
"It is a sweet and blessed event which will occur to all believers in God's own time-the going home to be with Jesus. In a few more years the Lord's..."
Protect Them
Illustration of John 17:15
Inspirational illustration of John 17:15 -- "My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one."
Life, at Best, Is Transitory
Article by Bill Brant
This world is not our home We are supposed to be in the world but not of the world. As followers of the Messiah, we are to be different, with our focus on heaven.
See All 9 Related Resources about John 17:14-15

Illustration

Illustration of John 17:14-15 NLT — "I have given [my disciples] your word."

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Thursday, October 29, 2026

Quotemeal
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
Quote by Lyndon B. Johnson:
"Yesterday is not ours to recover, but tomorrow is ours to win or lose."
Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'Everything!' (2 Pe. 1:3-4)
"By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who..."
God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
'Turn Loose God's Power' (Ep. 3:14-19)
"I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with..."
Daily Wisdom
A daily devotional featuring wise counsel found in Scripture.
1 Peter 1:13
"Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

More What Jesus Did!