Isn’t it amazing how the word of God is truly alive and active (Hebrews 4:12)? It is so relevant to the moment in history that we’re experiencing today, even though there’s no mention of COVID-19 in the midst of its pages.
John 17
As we approach Easter and look forward to celebrating Christ’s resurrection and victory over sin, I have been thinking about the events that took place during the last days of Jesus’ life on earth. There is a section of scripture that is considered to be Jesus’ farewell discourse found in John 13 – 17. Recorded in those chapters are his last teachings, acts of service, and prayers before he faced the cross. John 17 records a prayer spoken by Jesus on the night before he would be betrayed, arrested, tried, and put to death. Encapsulated within the verses of John 17 are Jesus’ deepest desires; we are given a wonderful glimpse into his heart! So, let’s consider a few of the things he prayed for and why they are important for us to understand today:
Jesus prayed and interceded for his current disciples.
“And I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are one… I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one.”
- John 17:11, 15
Jesus prayed that his inner circle of disciples would be kept by the Father. That word ‘keep’ means to guard, watch over, or preserve. Take a moment to pause and let that sink in.
Don’t you feel like you are desperate for God’s supernatural protection right now?
Out of the overflow of the love he had for his friends, Jesus asked the Father to protect and preserve them. Notice, however, he prayed not that they would be removed from this broken world that is plagued by every form of evil, but that they would be preserved while present IN the world! It can be tempting to desire to, as Paul writes in his letter to the Philippians, “depart and be with Christ.” (1:23) While that is a right desire, we must also realize that as long as we are here on this earth, we have a purpose.
Jesus prayed and interceded for us, his future disciples, and continues to do so today.
“I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.”
- John 17:20-21
Jesus broadened the scope of who he was praying for to ALL believers for the rest of time. We now see the purpose to which we have been called: to glorify the Father in order that many would believe in him. As we seek to accomplish this mission, we can rest in the protection and preservation we have in the Father that is secured through the Son and applied by the Spirit.
After spending some time meditating on this prayer of Jesus, I have become surer of his love for me. He prayed for me during his life on Earth and he continues to intercede on my behalf today. Jesus desires that I would be guarded by the Father, filled with his joy, and live out my purpose to spread his gospel. Believer in Christ, this is true for you too. It’s true in times of peace and it’s true in times of chaos and confusion. We can take heart, knowing that Jesus makes intercession for us and that God promises to be our refuge. As we hide in him, let’s continue to press forward in our aim to bring glory to his name for the sake of those around us.
-Amanda McCullough