I know that, strictly speaking, Jesus’ intercessory prayer in John 17:6-19 was for His disciples . . . that He prays for believers, in general, starting in verse 20. But though I know this, I can’t help but read it as though Jesus were praying for me . . . the “them” of His prayer being applied to “me” in this chair. And I think it’s fair application. So . . . what really grabs me in this passage (which overall grabs me), is the degree to which Jesus desires . . . and the degree to which Jesus would go . . . that I might be sanctified.

Sanctified . . . it’s kind of one of those “theological” type words. It means to make holy, consecrate, or purify. It also can have the idea of to be set apart, separated, or dedicated to God. And, it’s kind of a big deal for Jesus . . . He died for it.

“And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they also may be sanctified by the truth.” – Jesus (John 17:19)

And I’m thinking about Jesus sanctifying Himself. In His case it’s not about being made holy or being purified. He is holy . . . He is pure . . . He is God. No, when Jesus prayed to the Father saying, “For their sakes I sanctify Myself,” I’m thinking it was a declaration that He was willing to set Himself apart wholly and completely for the work of God . . . that He was entirely dedicating Himself to the will of God . . . that He was prepared to lay it all on the altar . . . literally. On the eve of His crucifixion, the Son of God, was expressing His willingness to give of Himself freely and wholly for my sake.

Jesus sanctified Himself . . . He consecrated Himself . . . He set apart Himself. It would require nothing short of the shedding of His blood and the giving of His life, but Jesus was “all in”. There would be no turning back . . . no calling down of legions of angels for rescue . . . no coming up short in His love for His own. For the sake of His disciples, He would give fully of Himself . . . unto death . . . even death on a cross.

How important is my sanctification? Way important — Jesus died for it. And for me, this idea of sanctification is about being made holy . . . about being purified . . . and it’s also about being set apart . . . and my willingness to follow in His example and lay my life too on the altar.

Through His death and resurrection, the price was paid on my behalf such that, upon my salvation, God could declare me holy in Christ. Through His blood the sin was washed away, replaced with a robe of righteousness . . . and I was set apart for God’s purpose. But more than that, God began a process in which, what I had been declared positionally, He would cause to manifest practically. Jesus death, resurrection, and ascension made way for the giving of “another Helper” . . . the Holy Spirit . . . One who would live within me . . . and lead me into all truth . . . and through the renewing of my mind, transform me into the likeness of Christ. I’m not there yet . . . boy! I’m so not there yet . . . but I’m farther along today than when I was first saved . . . I think, by the grace and patience of God, I’m farther along than I was a year ago. It being the answer to Jesus’ prayer, “. . . that they also may be sanctified by the truth.”

Oh, that Jesus would sanctify Himself that I might be sanctified. That He would give of Himself fully, that I might be redeemed to the uttermost. That He would withhold nothing, that I might be freely given all things in Him. Oh, what a Savior!

Lord Jesus, thank You for sanctifying Yourself . . . for setting apart Yourself, even to death, that I might be set apart to God. Father, please answer Your Son’s prayer. By Your grace . . . through Your Spirit . . . work sanctification’s work in me . . . by Your truth, make me holy. Enable me too, like my Savior, to sanctify myself . . . to consecrate my life . . . for Your will . . . for Your glory . . . amen!