Jesus Finishes His Prayer
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 loved me before the creation of the world. Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me. I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them. - John 17:24-26
It had been quite and evening. Jesus had performed the task of a servant by washing the feet of the disciples. They had prepared to eat the meal and Jesus gave them the alarming news that one of them would betray him. He spoke of the blood, his blood, of the new covenant and his body that would be broken.
Finally he gave his last instructions before he would go to the cross. It was simply this: Do not fear because I will return to comfort you. I will not just be with you but I will be in you. You must love one another as I have loved you and great peace will be upon you.
Then he prayed to his Father. The entire 17th chapter of John is given to his prayer and we would all do well to read it occasionally so we don't forget his heart and his purposes for us. His desire was that we would be united in his love.
He says he has revealed the father to his followers (v6) and he prayed that they would get the message. Perhaps looking into the future he prayed that his followers would dwell in unity (v11). All of this could only happen if those who followed would continue in his love.
He concludes this prayer by sharing his desire that his love, the Father's love, which dwelt in him, would dwell in all believers, just as he would dwell in all believers.
His cry was that we would be one in love and purpose as he was one with the Father. Isn't it time for that to happen?
Prayer: Lord, help us to united as one in your love. Amen.
Principle: He concludes this prayer by sharing his desire that his love, the Father's love, which dwelt in him, would dwell in all believers, just as he would dwell in all believers. His cry was that we would be one in love and purpose as he was one with the Father.
Affirmation: I desire to be one with others who follow Christ. Not necessarily one in doctrine but one in purpose. May I be driven by the love of the Father to be in unity with the entire body of Christ.
Reflection: I have found it very easy to separate myself from those who are not just like me, but that is my weakness. How about you; do you find yourself pulling away from other Christ followers who are of another denomination, or who embrace some doctrines you don't agree with? How well do you fulfill the desire of Jesus that his entire body be in unity?
It had been quite and evening. Jesus had performed the task of a servant by washing the feet of the disciples. They had prepared to eat the meal and Jesus gave them the alarming news that one of them would betray him. He spoke of the blood, his blood, of the new covenant and his body that would be broken.
Finally he gave his last instructions before he would go to the cross. It was simply this: Do not fear because I will return to comfort you. I will not just be with you but I will be in you. You must love one another as I have loved you and great peace will be upon you.
Then he prayed to his Father. The entire 17th chapter of John is given to his prayer and we would all do well to read it occasionally so we don't forget his heart and his purposes for us. His desire was that we would be united in his love.
He says he has revealed the father to his followers (v6) and he prayed that they would get the message. Perhaps looking into the future he prayed that his followers would dwell in unity (v11). All of this could only happen if those who followed would continue in his love.
He concludes this prayer by sharing his desire that his love, the Father's love, which dwelt in him, would dwell in all believers, just as he would dwell in all believers.
His cry was that we would be one in love and purpose as he was one with the Father. Isn't it time for that to happen?
Prayer: Lord, help us to united as one in your love. Amen.
Principle: He concludes this prayer by sharing his desire that his love, the Father's love, which dwelt in him, would dwell in all believers, just as he would dwell in all believers. His cry was that we would be one in love and purpose as he was one with the Father.
Affirmation: I desire to be one with others who follow Christ. Not necessarily one in doctrine but one in purpose. May I be driven by the love of the Father to be in unity with the entire body of Christ.
Reflection: I have found it very easy to separate myself from those who are not just like me, but that is my weakness. How about you; do you find yourself pulling away from other Christ followers who are of another denomination, or who embrace some doctrines you don't agree with? How well do you fulfill the desire of Jesus that his entire body be in unity?
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