As a result of this many of His disciples withdrew and were not walking with Him anymore. So Jesus said to the twelve, “You do not want to go away also, do you?” Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have words of eternal life. “We have believed and have come to know that You are the Holy One of God.” (John 6:66–69)

Most people would say Jesus is holy, for after all, that is a common religious descriptor. Those called saints are said to be holy. Certain articles and implements are said to be holy. The term “sanctuary,” although a different English word, comes from the Greek concept of holy, meaning “a holy place.” But what exactly does the word mean?

Jesus’ closest disciples, in the most critical moment of following Him, declared their belief in His holiness, as seen in the words of Peter. God Himself, through prophecy, calls Jesus “Holy” (Ps 16:10, Acts 2:27). The demons ceded ground to Jesus by also calling Him “the Holy One of God.” What did God, His disciples and demons see in Him that would cause them to call Him holy?

In its most basic concept, the word “holy” means to be set apart or dedicated for a purpose, and as a result to be treated differently. In relationship to God, it came to be a designation of something for which He has declared a special use. By way of analogy, a person might serve food to their guests on paper plates, but for a birthday party use decorated paper plates in honor of a special occasion. For extra special occasions, fine china might be used. One does not crumble up fine china like a paper plate and throw it in the garbage after one use. It is treated carefully and stored carefully. It is, to use our word, holy—set apart and treated differently than common things.

So far, so good. But is Jesus holy in the same sense as holy objects and holy places or holy people? Yes and no. He was certainly set apart from all other human beings as different. Humans who have come to faith in Christ are set apart for God’s purpose, but Christ is set apart as a whole other category. It’s like the difference between paper plates and fine china.

Paul was set apart “from [his] mother’s womb” to be an apostle (Gal 1:15-16), but Jesus was set apart from eternity. He was with God in eternity past (John 1:1) and sent into this world to die as the Lamb of God to take away our sins. Indeed, Jesus came into this world set apart in His unique, virgin birth. He was the “only begotten of the Father” (John 1:14). He is as set apart and separate from the world as God the Father is. Faith includes seeing Christ as absolutely holy.

Lord, along with Peter I believe You are the Holy One of God. Help me live a holy life, just as You are holy.