The days which led up to the end of Jesus' earthly life were
filled with events which have become familiar to us. He is facing ridicule, legal hassles,
rejection, suffering, and then, death. How could anyone handle such a
troublesome week? Here's how Jesus handled it........he prayed!
John 17 records the lengthy prayer of Jesus. It can be
broken down into three distinct categories:
1. Jesus prayed for
himself. He knew the difficulty he would face in the coming days. He knew
the ultimate sacrifice he would be. He knew the price would be high. And he
prayed for himself.
In verses 4 and 5 we catch a glimpse of the seriousness of
our Lord's prayer to the Father. 4 I have brought
you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do.
5 And now, Father,
glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world
began.
Jesus is a good example to us, when we face
difficult times, to talk things over with God. No task is to great, no problem
too difficult, no situation impossible to overcome, when God is on our side.
2.
Jesus prayed for his disciples. These were the men Jesus had called to
follow him. He taught them, he loved them, he was with them. They witnessed his
miracles and their associated results. They saw him wrestling with conflict and
false accusation. Yet through all of this, they knew the love Jesus had for
them and for mankind. Again, he was an
example to them and to us. Listen to him
pray again, this time for his disciples. 17 Sanctify them by
the truth; your word is truth. 18 As you sent me into the world, I have sent them
into the world. 19 For
them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified.
3. Jesus prayed for
all believers. Pay close attention
here. He is praying for you and me as well as the believers of his day. He even
said he was praying for all those who believed through the message being shared
by his disciples. Here is what he prayed; 21 that all of
them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also
be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.
22 I have given them the
glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one— 23 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.
These excerpts from his prayer give only a
few of the details. We would all do well
to read the entire 17th chapter of John this week. Yes, Jesus knew the
tremendous sacrifice he would pay, but he paid it with love and concern for our
eternity. I would say my favorite part of his prayer is in verse 24; “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.
The message of the Easter season, and every
day for the Christian, Jesus is coming back just as he promised, and taking us
home with him. Come quickly, Lord Jesus!
<ronbwriting@yahoo.com>
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