Recently, I have been reading and scribing in John 17 as part of my time with God. In this chapter, among other things, Jesus prays for His disciples.
Then, He prays for us who came after.
As I read and re-read His prayer, I’ve been so touched by His words. I can see the strong relationship Jesus has with His Father.
And, I can see we were on Jesus’ heart just before He is arrested and condemned to the Cross. Of all things, He tells His Father about us.
Wow! Jesus poured out His heart on our behalf.
In John 17:11, Jesus prayed, “I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name, the name you gave me, so that they may be one as we are one.”
What love!
Jesus is concerned for us and doesn’t want us to be alone, so He prays for our protection (and later, sends the Holy Spirit). This shows me how good, gracious, and forgiving He is.
He knew all about our sins even before we were born. Yet, He chose to die for us because He loved us so much. Being separated from us for eternity was unthinkable to Him!
When life gets crazy, we can trust that Jesus cares about what is happening. He is seated at the right hand of God, still advocating and praying for us! He already died on our behalf; there are no limits on what He can do for us. Indeed, we can’t earn His favor… we already have it!
So bring all your anxieties, doubts, failures, fears, problems, and questions. He cares for you and has a good plan for your life! Trust Him.
Also, bring all your joys, successes, and victories! He wants to celebrate with you!
Because of Jesus, we have peace with God and can rest in His love!
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Father God, thanks so much for Jesus! Help us bring everything…good and bad… to You. Help us rest in Your love. In Jesus’ Name, Amen
Questions: When you read John 17, can you sense Jesus’ heart and love for us? Have you accepted His love and forgiveness yet?
Tasks: Regardless of how you are feeling or what you are doing today, bring it all to Jesus. Rest in His love!
I never really thought about Jesus praying for me before he was arrested and died on the cross. Very neat!