Creator, Father, King #226

I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message.

HAS ANYONE EVER PRAYED for you? Perhaps this has happened in a moment of difficulty or grief. Or maybe someone has rejoiced with you about an answer to prayer. Whatever the scenario, it’s a wonderful thing when someone approaches God’s heavenly throne with you in mind.

Shortly before he was arrested in the garden of Gethsemane, Jesus prayed a beautiful prayer. Found in John 17, we often call it “The High Priestly Prayer” because of Jesus’ unique role as our High Priest who represents us before God the Father (Hebrews 4:14).

During this prayer, Jesus prayed for his disciples. But amazingly, he was also thinking of you. Imagine that: on the night before his crucifixion, he had you in mind!

What’s It Mean?

As he was preparing to die, Jesus knew his disciples would need heavenly strength for the days ahead. So he prayed for them in John 17:1-19. Then his mind turned toward “all who will ever believe in me through their message” (today’s verse). If you have trusted in Christ, that means you!

Here’s what Jesus prayed about for you:

• Our unity as believers would reflect the perfect unity he shares with the Father (verses 21-23).
• Our spiritual union with God would result in others coming to faith in Christ (verse 21).
• We would eventually see his glory (verse 24).
• God’s love would continually be in us (verse 26).

But Jesus’ prayer that night wasn’t just a one-time petition for us two thousand years ago. After sacrificing himself on the cross for our sins—turning God’s wrath toward us into favor, known as propitiation (Hebrews 2:17)—Jesus ascended back to heaven, where he now sits at the Father’s right hand. In his glorified state, Jesus continually represents us before God as our great High Priest (Hebrews 7:25). In fact, much of the book of Hebrews is dedicated to this wonderful truth.

Jesus doesn’t pray for us as a mere human would, asking for things that he doesn’t know the outcome to. No! As part of the eternal, omniscient Trinity, the Son of God knows everything. His advocacy for believers is based on his finished, redemptive work on the cross, and the Father is pleased to give the Son what he asks for our spiritual benefit. Amazing!

Now What?

To learn more, read John 17; Romans 8:34; and the November 18 devotion on Jesus as our High Priest.

Did You Know?

In his prayer, Jesus also expressed a desire to be with us in heaven (verse 24). How cool is that?