John 6:39

“This is what my Father wants,” Jesus clarifies, “He sent me with the desire that I not lose even one of the ones he sends my way.  He doesn’t want any of them to die, and if they do, he wants to raise them up on that glorious last day of this world as we know it.”  John 6:39 EFP

Do you sense Jesus is trying to emphasize the unity that exists between his will and his father’s will.  The plan of salvation is not an attempt by the son to convince his father to forgive humanity.  This is a joint effort.  There is total unanimity between the Son and the Father.

But there is a term used by Jesus a couple times in this verse and in verse 37—“the father gives me.”  It’s not clear by the syntax what Jesus is referring to when he refers to “that” which has been given to him by the Father.  The context of this text clarifies these as people and not things.  God has given humanity to Jesus to save.  Who are they?  Chosen ones?  An exclusive club?  Everyone?  Whoever they are, they will not be sent away when (or if) they come.  The Father wants all of the ones “he gives” Jesus to be saved.  He does not want to lose any of them.  I have to believe the tenor of the book would require I see the ones God “gives” to Jesus to save as the whole world—the same world he loved so much, he sent his only-begotten son to save, although in the end he knew he would only be able to save the ones who believed in him.  I have been chosen to live forever!  It is my choice to believe. Heaven is in my future.  God wants me there!  I want to believe…help my unbelief.  (Mark 9:24)