John 17 - Jesus' High Priestly PrayerIf you could choose anyone to pray for you, with you, about the most important thing you are praying for, who would it be? Whom would you choose?
How would it make you feel to know Billy Graham had been praying for you? One better; how would it make you feel to know Jesus is praying for you?
He is. Now.
In John 17 Jesus prays for his followers - both those present (in that upper room) and those to come. In other words, us. The writer of the book of Hebrews further states that Jesus, "…lives to make intercession (prays) for us," (Hebrews 7:25).
Jesus whispers your name and mine into the ear of the Father on a daily basis. And what does Jesus pray for us? I'm guessing the list is endless, but from John 17 we see…
He is praying for our protection (vv.12-15). Are you facing circumstances that produce fear? Jesus prays specifically for our protection from evil. Additionally, he promises his presence with us. Where he is, fear cannot survive.
He is praying for our sanctification (vv.16-19). Transformation has a beginning point - when we say yes to Jesus. However, ongoing transformation - what the Bible calls sanctification - is a lifetime process. Christ prays for the changing of our character to more reflect his love and goodness.
He is praying for our unity (vv.21-23). Jesus said in John 14 that his followers would be known by their love for one another. Christians are known for a lot of things in our culture today. If love is not first on the list, we have a skewed understanding of Christ's message.
He is praying for our perseverance (vv.24-26). Hang on… hang in… don't let go. James writes, "…you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything, (James 1:3-4, NIV). The hallmark of spiritual maturity is not giftedness. Many immature Christians are incredibly gifted, and sadly, often see their lives derail. Perseverance, also translated "Steadfastness," is a better indicator of maturity in Christ. As the old hymn states:
"My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus blood and righteousness…
On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand…"
God, it both encourages and humbles me to know that Christ intercedes for me.
For now...
D
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