Have you ever read a Bible verse a hundred times, but then one day, something clicks, and it feels brand new? That’s what happened to me recently with John 17:23. It’s like a light switch turned on, and suddenly, I was standing in the presence of something so profound, I couldn’t help but be in awe. Let me share this incredible verse with you:
“I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.” (John 17:23 NKJV)
At first glance, it’s easy to gloss over the magnitude of what Jesus is saying here. But when we slow down and really think about it, the depth of this verse is astonishing. Jesus is talking to His Father—Yahweh, El Elyon, the Most High God—and He’s saying something that should shake us to our core: God loves you and me in the same way He loves Yahshua (Jesus)!
Let that sink in for a moment.
John 17:23: God Loves You Like He Loves Jesus
This isn’t just any kind of love. This is the love that exists between the Father and the Son—the eternal, perfect, unbreakable bond between Yahweh and Yahshua. Jesus is saying that this very love is what God has for us.
Yes, you. Yes, me. It’s not some diluted version of it; it’s not a lesser love. It’s the same love.
Now, think about this: Would you be willing to give up your child for someone else? I know that for me, as a parent, that’s a hard pill to swallow. I love my son, Caleb, deeply.
While I care for other children, my love for Caleb is unique, intense, and unshakable. So when I read that God loved us so much that He gave His only Son—His beloved, perfect Son—it changes everything.
The love God has for us is not based on how good we are or how well we perform. It’s not conditional. It’s the same love He has for Jesus, who lived in perfect obedience. That’s mind-blowing, isn’t it?
The Overused “God Loves You” Phrase
I know you’ve heard it before: “God loves you.” It’s something we hear so often that sometimes it loses its weight, its depth. We hear it in songs, see it on bumper stickers, or even pass by it on church signs. But stop for a moment. This isn’t just a slogan. It’s truth. It’s reality.
God knows every single thing about you. Every joy, every pain, every failure, every victory. He knows you better than anyone ever could. He knows the number of hairs on your head (Luke 12:7). He sees every moment of your day, whether you’re awake or asleep.
Psalm 139:17 tells us that God’s thoughts about us outnumber the grains of sand. Have you ever picked up a handful of sand at the beach? Can you count the grains? No, it’s impossible. And yet, that’s how often God thinks of you. You are never far from His mind.
You Are Never Forgotten
I want to speak to those who might feel forgotten or overlooked right now. Maybe you’re going through a tough season, and it feels like God is distant. Maybe you’ve prayed, and the answers aren’t coming as fast as you hoped. Let me reassure you: God has not forgotten you.
He knows the struggles you’re facing. He sees your tears. And just as He has loved His Son, Yahshua, He loves you. He is with you in the valley, in the storm, and in every moment of doubt. Yahweh’s love is steadfast, unwavering, and ever-present. He hasn’t left your side, not for a moment.
A Love Beyond Comprehension
This kind of love can feel overwhelming because it’s so unlike anything we experience here on earth. People’s love can fade or change, but God’s love for you is eternal.
It’s unchanging.
Nothing you do can make Him love you more, and nothing you do can make Him love you less. This is the foundation of our faith—the love of a Father who would go to unimaginable lengths to bring us into His family.
When Jesus prayed in John 17, He was preparing to face His final hours. In His final moments, His heart was for us to know this love. He wanted us to understand that we are united with Him and the Father, perfectly one, sharing in the same love that He has experienced from eternity.
Hold On to This Truth
As you go through your day, I want you to carry this truth with you: God loves you as much as He loves Yahshua. It’s a love that transforms, a love that heals, and a love that sustains us through every trial.
No matter where you are or what you’re going through, let this verse be a reminder that you are deeply cherished by the Creator of the universe. You are not just another face in the crowd; you are His beloved child.
Take comfort in that. Be excited about it. And never forget that Yahweh’s love for you is far greater than you could ever imagine.
God’s love isn’t just a concept; it’s reality. Embrace it today, and let it change everything.
