THE JOHN 17 PRAYER OF JESUS
25th Nov 2020
Jesus prays as He was about to go to the cross, He was leaving the disciples to continue the life He had shown them, to declare and and live the message he had taught them, and was also going to send the Holy Spirit to empower them. We have been handed that baton, and have too been given the Holy Spirit.
Verse 10 says, “All who are mine belong to you, and you have given them to me, so that they may bring me glory.” Is my life bringing glory to Jesus, do people look at me and see the life and character of Jesus shining out?
Verse 11 says, “Holy Father, you have given me your name; now protect them by the power of your name, so that they will be united just as we are.” The challenge is to live in perfect unity and harmony with the Father; Jesus has made that available so that we can always know that we are in touch with the Father, in communication with Him and sensitive to His voice. Therefore, if I do anything that grieves the Father I need to confess it immediately and restore the relationship.
Verse 20 says, “I am praying not only for those disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message.” Jesus is expecting that I will share the gospel with others and lead them to living faith. How am I doing? When was the last time I lead someone to know Jesus and to receive His salvation?
Verse 21 says, “I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one…” Jesus wants His body on earth to express unity and oneness in the world. Is there any believer with whom you have a broken relationship? It is time to reach out, forgive and bless. The church over the centuries has failed miserably in this, but we have the opportunity to heal, restore and maintain the unity of those whom God has joined us to.
I am challenged. Does my life bring Him glory? Am I living in unity with the Godhead? Am I leading people to Jesus? Am I in unity with my brothers and sisters?
by Charles Sibthorpe
