Scripture printed text: John 17:14-24
John records Jesus high priestly prayer for His disciples and future disciples. Jesus intercedes on behalf of His followers. Jesus aware of His hour had come that He should depart out of this world; gave His disciples some final instructions. Jesus told them about the coming betrayal, going to the Father to prepare a place for them, and the coming of the Holy Spirit. Jesus had obeyed His Father by giving them His word. Jesus never deviated from speaking God’s word. He has completely revealed Himself and the Father to His disciples in His teaching.
First, Jesus prays for the disciples’ protection. Jesus didn’t pray for them to be removed out of the word, but that God would protect them while in the world. He prays for their protection from the evil one, forces, and influences of the devil. Secondly, Jesus prayer for their sanctification. That God would sanctify them through the truth of His word. Set them apart from the world and to do the work He commissioned them to do. The disciples would continue to keep themselves separated from the world through the word of God. Thirdly, Jesus prays for His disciple’s unity. Jesus prays that they will be one as He and His Father are one. God and Jesus unity would be the example and help the disciples to be unified in their relationship with one another and as a witness to the world. Lastly, Jesus prays for future disciples. Jesus prays for those who will believe on Him through the preaching of gospel message. The power of the preached word of God would draw people to Christ and thereby creating more disciples to follow Christ. Jesus informs His disciples that He is going to prepare a place for them to dwell with Him forever. In order for Jesus to prepare the way for them, He had to sacrifice His life on the cross, die, be buried and resurrected on the third day.
Church, let us follow Jesus example to pray and intercede on behalf of others. Pray for the believer’s protection, sanctification and unity. Also, pray for future believers to be added to the kingdom through the preaching of God’s word. Pray that we will prepare for Christ’s return for His church.
Reminder: Jesus is going away to prepare a place, for a prepared people. Are you preparing to go with Jesus when He comes back?