John 17:14-16 (KJV)
I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.
  I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.
They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.
           Jesus had invested three years teaching the disciples the word of God. Jesus also knew the world hated the truth, the true word of God. The world knew the disciples were different they were not of the world but had a home elsewhere. They were just passing through this world to their heavenly home.
Jesus did not want the disciples taken out of the world. Jesus knew they needed to stay to continue the work he had started. But he wanted them to be kept safe while they were in this world.
As believers we need to be thankful the disciples were left in the world. The disciples had the opportunity through the power of the Holy Spirit to begin the church, the bride of Christ that we help to keep pure and always ready for the bridegroom.
Dear Lord: I am ever thankful that you left your disciples in this world to start your church, protected so they could be a living example for me to follow. Knowing that I am not of this world but that you will always be with me while I am here and for this I am ever great full.
In Jesus name I pray amen.