Praying Forward

Praying Forward

John 17:20-21, NLT

I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. 21I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me.

Setting the Scene

After praying for his disciples, Jesus prayed for all those who would believe in him “through their message.” In reality, everyone who has become a Christian has done so through the apostles’ message; after all, they wrote much of the New Testament and were the founders of the Christian church and served as the first evangelists. Thus, Jesus was praying for us and for those who would come to know him through our witness. We can easily replace “all” in the prayer with our own names and realize Jesus was thinking of us as he prepared for the Cross.

This prayer contains several lessons. First, everything Jesus prayed for the disciples in this chapter of the book of John also applies to us. Second, Jesus had us in mind two thousand years ago—he knew the gospel would spread through the disciples. Third, we should continue to tell others about Christ and pray for those, even yet to be born, who will follow us in following him.

Getting Personal

In what ways does knowing that Jesus included you in this prayer encourage and motivate you?

What aspects of Jesus’ prayer do you most need today?

How can you join with others to spread the good news about Jesus to the next generation?

Knowing that Jesus prayed for us should give us confidence as we work for his Kingdom. Jesus expected his original disciples to come together after being scattered at his arrest and crucifixion. After Christ’s resurrection, great commission, and ascension and the coming of the Holy Spirit, the disciples would spread the Good News courageously throughout the world. The message has continued to be spread, and we live in that legacy of faith. Now the mission to see succeeding generations of Christ-followers belongs to us.

Talking to God

Enjoy the intimacy of being fully known by God. Jesus prayed for you centuries before you were born, knowing you would belong to him. Thank God for this legacy of faith, and ask him to help you carry it on to your children and grandchildren and to young people in your neighborhood, community, and church. Pray that this next generation of young believers will stay strong and unified as they live for God.