“Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world. O righteous Father, even though the world does not know you, I know you, and these know that you have sent me. I made known to them your name, and I will continue to make it known, that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them.” – John 17:24-26
If you were facing death, especially a brutal, excruciating death on a cross, would you take time to pray for your friends?
Jesus did.
On the night before his crucifixion, Jesus prayed that his disciples and all believers would be united by faith in Him. Jesus petitions his Father for the welfare of all who have come to believe in him.
Jesus wants us to be with him where he is. Previously, Jesus had said, “I go to prepare a place for you… that where I am you may be also” (John 14:2-3). In Christ we have the expectation of spending eternity in heaven.
Jesus wants us to know God. Paul says, “He (Jesus) is the image of the invisible God” (Col.1:15). Jesus made the invisible God known to us by taking on flesh and dwelling among us. Jesus said, “Whoever has seen me has seen the Father” (John 14:9).
Jesus wants us to love. He prays that we would have access to the same sacrificial and abiding love that he shares with God the Father. Through faith in Christ, we have the love of God so that we can love our neighbors. “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God” (1 John 4:7).
Prayer: Holy Jesus, we thank you for your prayers on our behalf on the night of your betrayal. May we make your name known as we seek to love our neighbors as you have loved us.
Contributed by Susan Hathcock
Bible Reading
Read John 14 and record any insights you gain here.
Call to Connection
Reflect on what Jesus’ prayers mean for you. Reach out to someone who is a strong example of praying and thank them for their prayers today.