Today, we see Jesus continue His prayer for the church. He asks the Father not to take us out of the world but to keep us safe in it. Often in our lives, our growth doesn’t come from easy times but from hard times. God’s desire for us is not that we are happy, but God’s desire for us is that we are holy. We see Him pray for our sanctification or our holiness. But let’s remember that holiness is not morality. Morality leads to legalism: I’m good, you’re bad. Holiness is God’s love, being shed abroad in our hearts so that we perfectly love God and neighbor.

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Good morning! It’s great to be here with you on this Friday. I hope you’ve had a fulfilling week; I know we have here at Saint Matthews. This Sunday, I’ll be preaching at the contemporary service at Intersection, while Brian leads our traditional worship. If you’re in the Madison area, we’d love to welcome you.

This week’s reading continues with John 17, where we find Jesus offering His high priestly prayer. As He prepares for His crucifixion, He prays earnestly for His disciples, those following Him in His time and those who would come after—including us. In verses 6-19, Jesus speaks directly to His Father, asking for protection, unity, and holiness for His followers.

A key point in His prayer is this: while He doesn’t pray for a life free from trials, He does pray for protection and spiritual growth. He desires that we be “sanctified in truth”—a call not merely to happiness or ease but to holiness. Holiness, in this context, goes beyond morality or rule-following. It’s a deep, transforming love for God and others, a perfect love that reflects God’s image within us.

As John Wesley taught, sanctification is a journey toward perfect love, which comes from the grace of God alive within us. Through the trials we face, we are shaped and refined, made capable of deeper love. Jesus knows that real growth often emerges from these challenges, where we learn to rely on God and grow closer to Him.

So, as we go into the weekend, let’s embrace this journey of becoming more like Christ. Seek holiness, seek love, and find God’s strength even in the challenges.

Thanks for spending this morning with me, and have a wonderful weekend.