John 17:6-19 – Jesus Prays for His Disciples

Read John 17:6-19

We see love in action here in Jesus’ words. His love for his disciples, the ones “God has given him,” is so real and raw. Jesus recognizes they, too, will be hated by the world simply by the association with Jesus. Jesus wants to make sure he asks his Father to protect them.

Jesus wants for them to know joy. That’s why he shared with them so much of his truth. We know that true joy comes from being connected with Jesus. He is the source of all joy. When we are in close relationship with him, even though we have trials, our joy is still full. We have the knowledge and assurance of eternity. Our troubles will end. That is reason for great joy!

With that joy comes peace. When we are truly connected we can rest and let this comfort flow over us. Along with comfort is a tinge of excitement. That is our joy welling up inside. If you are feeling overwhelmed right now by some situation that is stealing your joy, connect more with Jesus.

Jesus is always available for us. He has sent the Holy Spirit to assure us of that. The unity of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit is the same unity Jesus prayed for his disciples. It is a bond very hard to describe. Going forward, the disciples were going to need that unity of mind and heart. Jesus asked that God make them pure and holy by teaching them the words of truth. They needed continual feeding to stay strong in the world.

It’s not a once a done kind of thing. We need to connect with Jesus and be filled with his truth regularly, daily at least. The world will surely try to suck our joy. All we have to do is look around and see the corruption, the despair, the inequality, the evil. The values of the world are so different from ours. We need to rely on the truth (Jesus) to protect us against the lies the world would tell us.

Take some time today to just quietly ponder Jesus’ truth and what his message for you is today.

Let’s pray. Father, thank you for the joy you have given me. Watch over my words and actions. May everything I say and do be to your glory. There is joy in my heart when I think of that day when I will meet you face to face. Nobody can steal that joy from me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.