John 17 - Africa Study Bible

Final Prayers • John 17:11-26

Jesus was about to face death on a cross. Yet his greatest concern was what would happen to his followers. Here he prays for them.

In the Old Testament, Jacob blessed his children and grandchildren as he was dying (see Genesis 48–49). In many of our communities, we still do that. Dying people want to pronounce their last blessings on their children and grandchildren. The prayers are often about protection, unity, and prosperity. These themes also mark the prayer Jesus prayed for his followers. He asked his Father to protect them and ensure unity among them. If a person knows his death is coming and has the opportunity to pray a special blessing upon his children, grandchildren, and other relatives, this can be a lifelong treasure. It can be a source of guidance for those who are blessed.

Did you know that Jesus specifically prayed for you before he died? He prayed for his disciples, but added, “I am praying not only for these disciples, but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message” (John 17:20). That refers to all believers. He prayed that we would always be protected when we are under attack. He did not pray that we would escape hardship. As long as we are in this world, troubles will come. But he prayed that when troubles come, we would be safe from the evil one. Let us seek to be like him as we live in this world.

Many people depend on guards and fences to keep them safe. The Bible says that Satan is a roaring lion looking for someone—believers mostly—to devour (1 Peter 5:8). What is our defence against this roaring lion? The Mende have a proverb that says, “When the cattle stand together, the lion goes hungry.”

Jesus specifically prayed that believers would stand together. While he was alive, he protected his followers. Now that he was about to return to heaven, he prayed for unity as a way his followers would be protected. The psalmist wrote, “How wonderful and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony!” (Psalm 133:1). When the church stands together, Satan goes hungry.