What a prayer indeed! Jesus has been our Redeemer from the day of creation. Jesus, our friend and confidant, has been by our side from the very first day. That same Jesus was praying for us, not the world! Can you believe it?
We may be in the world, but Jesus called out the world and made it clear He was praying for us. Jesus himself had been tempted by the evil one controlling the world. As if the world were a lost cause, Jesus was praying for those who knew him. It’s sometimes hard and unpopular to live in the world when you think like Jesus.
Jesus meant his message to bring us joy. “Now I am coming to you. I told them many things while I was with them in this world so they would be filled with my joy.” We can feel joy when we reflect on all Jesus said and what he has done for us. Jesus didn’t mean to confuse his followers or cause them pain. Lean into the joy we have in the Lord’s promises, dispelling fears and uncertainties.
Verse 19 nearly jumped off the page for me. “And I give myself as a holy sacrifice for them so they can be made holy by your truth.” It is Jesus’ prayer that what he is about to do when he sacrifices his body will cleanse his followers and make us holy. Jesus identified himself as the “truth” back in chapter 14. Jesus is the one who makes us holy. He was praying for that gift from God when he said, “by your truth.” He could have just said, “through me.”
At first, we may have thought Jesus was only praying for his disciples, but he clears that up. Your name and my name would be on that list of people Jesus has promised to make holy. It is Jesus’ prayer that all the chosen ones will be able to be together with him and God. Jesus really wanted us, didn’t he?
If you think it sounds impossible to be that close to God, remember how the Holy Spirit has taken up residence in your life. We are already that close to God. He’s alive inside us. That unity Jesus speaks of between God and us is a real thing. Jesus was praying for it because he knew we would need to stay connected 24/7. We can tap into the power of the Holy Spirit immediately when we need to.
Think of all the times you’ve read something in the Bible that you totally resonated with and were so glad it was God’s Word. Those encounters with the Holy Spirit, as we read Scripture, are powerful and forever meaningful insight into the heart of God. Don’t forget to ask for wisdom and insight.
What else did you notice about Jesus’ prayer? How does it make you feel to know this prayer includes you and your destiny? Have you ever prayed to God the Father with such devotion?
We are fortunate to have something the first disciples didn’t have, at least at first. In addition to perspective, we have the Holy Spirit that Jesus promised would come to them. Jesus said he had to leave before the Spirit could come. Everything happened for a reason, so that God’s will would be done on earth. God has wanted to truly be with us for a long time.
Our response can be to continue to pray for God’s will for our lives. Every time we recite the Lord’s Prayer, we’re asking for God’s will to be done on earth as in heaven. The Lord’s Prayer is the powerful prayer Jesus taught us to pray, and I’ve written about it before on my blog.
For today, imagine Jesus praying for you. John didn’t tell us where Jesus was as he prayed this, but he would have been in earshot of John at least. I imagine it happening in the Garden of Gethsemane, but that’s just my picture. The location isn’t the point; rather, it’s the prayer. Imagine, too, the moment God the Father received this prayer, this plea on your behalf. How do you respond to that?
Let’s pray. Lord Jesus, it humbles me that you prayed for me all those years ago. You knew me by name and chose me. Thank you for the cleansing power of your Son and for how you make me holy. I want to be set apart to serve you and love you. Guide my feet to stay within your perfect Will. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
