John 17:20-26
“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 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. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one— 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. “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 17:20-26 (NIV)
In the verses preceding this passage, (pull out your Bible and read the whole chapter) Jesus knew his death was imminent. He prayed for his beloved disciples. Jesus knew that the road ahead of them was going to be difficult and that they would suffer because of their belief that Jesus was the Messiah to come to save them.
Jesus didn’t stop there. The prayer continues, “My prayer is not for them alone.” Jesus then prayed for us also and for all those who would follow – that we would be brought to complete unity – then the world will know that we are His beloved people.
That’s pretty amazing! Jesus was praying for us, for me. Jesus knew that the road would be difficult, that it would be bumpy. Not everything would be perfect in our lives. With the phrase that Jesus prayed, “that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them”, tells us that we have that love within us and are to demonstrate that love in the world.
Jesus said it, we were loved then, we are loved now, and we will be loved forever.
Questions for Reflection:
- Can it get any better than to know that we are loved? What are some ways that you will show that love to others? Think of all the songs/hymns you know that speak of this wondrous love.
Prayer:
Thank you for your amazing love for us! Help us to demonstrate your love and to work towards unity for all. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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