Jesus Prays for Us

The words below reflect the conclusion to a three-part look at the prayer of Jesus in John 17. We can learn a lot about people from the way in which they pray. My mom was a person of prayer and loved the Lord very much. Sadly, she was not one to pray aloud. I can only remember a few occasions when I heard her pray. But I know she saw the value of prayer and drawing near to God. I have heard some people pray aloud and knew that they loved connecting with God the Father. And I’ve been in settings where prayers were simply read. There is nothing wrong with reading a prayer in and of itself, but it seemed like the people were uncomfortable finding their own words or praying naturally like a conversation with God. Jesus’ prayer is unique in that he is God the Son praying to God the Father. When we pray as God’s children, we have our limitations. Jesus knew God’s plan and was the vital aspect of it from eternity in providing redemption for us. He had in mind perhaps the generations of those who would follow him as their savior and Lord. He was praying for us!

Jesus mentions those who will believe in him because of their message (John 17:20). Who he is referring to is there is the eleven disciples. It’s easy to read about them in the gospels and critique them but if they didn’t do what he tasked them with after his ascension we would not be looking forward to heaven. You would have no interest in an article on faith and there wouldn’t be articles on faith because we only believe what was passed on to us by those obedient disciples and those who they reproduced spiritually. Who will believe in 20 or 40 years if Christians stopped sharing the truth of God’s word. The good news is something that must be passed on. It’s becoming more difficult to be a light and testimony in our world, but we must view it as our obligation and privilege.

The next reference Jesus makes is of utmost importance as well. It also helps us in our task of sharing the gospel. As believers we are to be united. Just as the Trinity is one so we should be one in spirit and in unity (21). Obviously, we will not always agree or think in the same ways as those in our church or family. But when we love one another as Jesus loved us, we recognize the value of forgiveness, grace, and being of one spirit. It must grieve God’s hearts to see denominations and churches split. We are called to unity and each person must do their part to preserve that. Jesus saw that one of the benefits of unity is that the world would believe that Jesus was sent from God. That happens when Christians treat each other as they should. We were told that they will know we are Christians by our love (John 13:35). When we love we seek unity.

Through the Holy Spirit we are given a gift that provides evidence of our salvation. We have a glory that cannot be explained (22). That makes unity and peace possible. I in them and you in me - so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me (23). Do not miss the power of that verse. Jesus is in us as his followers. We abide in him, and he remains in us. It’s a unique relationship that has incredible power involved. Just as God the Father is in Jesus, so is Jesus in us. As part of that we understand that we are loved by God as Jesus is. It’s mind boggling because we are not the perfect son of God as Jesus is and yet God still loves us completely. That truth should motivate us towards unity and sharing the good news about Jesus and God’s love that is offered to every person no matter who they are or what they have done. About these verses, David Jerimiah said “Christians who operate on the same agenda as Jesus understand these things as his heartbeat: He longs that the Father be glorified, that his followers be sanctified, and that the church be unified to reach the world for him”.

Jesus then says something that certainly should be read at funerals of Christians. Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you love me before the creation of the world (24). Does Jesus want us to have nice cars, houses and toys in this life? Is comfort what the Lord Jesus has called us to? Is his focus on the 70 or 80 years we may have on this earth? The answer is obvious. He does bless us here on this little planet, but his goal is for us to be home where we belong with him. There we will understand and see his glory that we only get a glimpse of here. We are made and redeemed to be with Jesus forever. And that’s what he was looking forward to as he thought of and prayed for his followers that would come because he obediently went to the cross.

Before his arrest Jesus acknowledges that the world does not know God. I have recently spent many hours with a group of non-Christian friends. It is obvious that they know about God but do not know him personally. That impacts the way they think and live. While people can have their fun, ultimately, they are empty and without hope. Jesus prays that as he has made himself known to his followers that as his children we can be a light for Jesus in the darkness of our world. Jesus wants the love of God to be in all people. He knows that that won’t happen but the more we as Christians can be united, show love and be a commercial for Christ, the more likely the gospel will go forth in power. God’s love is in us, and Jesus is praying for us. What else do we need? Let’s just remember what the world needs. And let’s pray for the lost folks just as Jesus prays for us.