JESUS’ PROTECTION

John 17:12 – “While I was with them, I protected them and kept them safe…”

You ever watch a great coach during a game? He’s not just yelling plays—he’s scanning the field, reading body language, seeing who’s rattled, who’s locked in. He’s calling timeouts at just the right moments. He’s protecting his players—not just from the opponent, but sometimes from themselves.

In John 17:12, Jesus said: “While I was with them, I protected them and kept them safe by that name you gave me.”

This is no pregame talk. This is Jesus, praying to the Father before going to the cross. And what’s on His heart? His team. His disciples. He’s saying, “Father, I’ve guarded them. I’ve protected them. I kept them safe.”

Let’s break that down and see how Jesus protects His people—then and now. And how we, as athletes, can live under that protection and pass it on to others.

1. Jesus Guards Like a Shepherd
Jesus didn’t just coach His disciples—He shepherded them.

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” – John 10:11

In the Greek, the words Jesus uses in John 17:12—tereo and phylasso—both mean to watch, guard, protect carefully. Think of a fortress with guards at every gate.

That’s how Jesus watched over His disciples. Not casually. Not halfway. But intentionally. Diligently. Lovingly.

In the ancient world, shepherds would literally sleep at the gate of the sheep pen. No one got in without going through the shepherd.

“I am the gate… whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture.” – John 10:9

Jesus is still doing that today. He’s standing at the gate of your heart. He’s not just trying to make your life successful—He’s guarding your soul.

Are you allowing Him to shepherd you? Or are you trying to run the game plan on your own?

2. Jesus Protects Through His Teaching
Jesus didn’t just defend physically—He protected spiritually through truth.

“Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” – John 8:32

When He taught His disciples, He wasn’t giving motivational speeches—He was giving life-saving truth. He warned them about pride, greed, persecution, and the dangers of chasing the world.

Matthew 5:11–12 – “Blessed are you when people insult you… for great is your reward in heaven.”

Matthew 6:19–21 – “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth…”
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Before sending them out, Jesus said: “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves.” – Matthew 10:16

Like a good coach reviewing film, Jesus knew what the opposition looked like. He wasn’t caught off guard, and He didn’t want His players to be either.

Are you letting God’s Word coach you? Are you studying His playbook—the Bible—like your life depends on it?

Hebrews 4:12 tells us His Word is living, active, and sharper than any sword. It exposes our hearts, corrects our thinking, and keeps us safe.

3. Jesus Protects Through His Actions
In Mark 6:45, Jesus tells His disciples to get in a boat and head out across the lake--immediately.

Why? Because the crowds were worked up. Herod had just killed John the Baptist. Jesus knew danger was coming. So He protected His team by moving them out.

Even at the arrest in John 18, Jesus steps forward and says: “If you are looking for me, then let these men go.” – John 18:8

Jesus always steps between us and danger. The ultimate protection came at the cross, when He stepped between us and God’s judgment on sin.

Romans 5:8 – “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

That’s not just a coach. That’s a Savior.

Let me ask you… Are you trusting in Jesus not only for direction, but for your salvation? Or are you still trying to protect and save yourself?

4. Jesus Protects with His Promises
Listen to what Jesus said in John 10:28–30: “I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand… My Father is greater than all…”

His protection doesn’t expire at the final whistle. It’s eternal.

Proverbs 18:10 says: “The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.”

In John 17, Jesus prays: “Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name…” – John 17:11
“… by that name you gave me.” – John 17:12

The “name” refers to God’s nature—His character. That’s what secures you. Not your stats, not your hustle, not your reputation. His character.

“God never made a promise too good to be true.” – D.L. Moody

Are you running to the Name of Jesus—or are you depending on your own strength?
You may be on a team, but are you on His team?

Jesus didn’t come to recruit perfect players—He came to rescue broken ones. He didn’t just come to coach you up—He came to carry you through.

If you’ve never given your life to Jesus, today is the day. He died for your sins, rose again, and now offers you the protection of His presence and the promise of eternal life.

“Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” – Romans 10:13

Will you call on His name today?

    •    Are you living under the protection of Jesus?
    •    Are you trusting His Word, leaning on His presence, standing in His promises?
    •    Are you protecting your teammates by praying for them, correcting them, guiding them?

Live like Jesus. Protect like Jesus.

Closing Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You for being our Good Shepherd. Thank You for protecting us—through Your Word, Your actions, Your correction, and Your promises. Help us to rest in Your care. Make us strong in You and teach us to lead others under Your protection. Help us love our teammates enough to guard them in truth. In Your name we pray, Amen.

Get this… The best players don’t just fight for stats—they fight for their team. Jesus fought for you. Live like Him. Trust His protection. And guard others with His love.

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