March to the Cross

Wednesday, March 31

Jesus: Praying King

Focus: Jesus knowing His death is approaching, lovingly prays to His Father for the sake of His current and future disciples.

Today’s verses:

John 17:1 Jesus spoke these things; and lifting up His eyes to heaven, He said, “Father, the hour has come; glorify Your Son, that the Son may glorify You.”

John 17:15 (Jesus prayed), “I do not ask You to take them out of the world, but to keep them from the evil one.”

John 17:20-21 (Jesus prayed), “I do not ask on behalf of these alone, but for those also who believe in Me through their word; that they may all be one; even as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me.”

Hebrews 7:25 Therefore He is able also to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.

One of my favorite chapters in all of the Bible is John 17. Many years ago, I was in a room full of women listening to a lecture concerning these living words. As the Bible teacher spoke, I’m sure it was the sweetness of the Spirit that revealed to me the immense love that Jesus had for his disciples, both then and now. Jesus prays for me? Wow! I was overtaken with such awe and gratitude with this mind-boggling truth.

In these verses, Jesus pours out his heart to his Father just before he was taken into captivity for his trial and crucifixion.

He prays these things for his disciples:

-he longs for unity (v. 11, v.21)

-he asks that they protected from the evil one (v. 15)

-he pleads for their growth through his word. (v. 17)

Oh, how I would have loved to literally hear that prayer!

Put yourself in Jesus’ presence as He fervently prayed the words in John 17. Can you hear Him longing for His best friends? Can you hear Him pleading for all of humanity? What are your thoughts and emotions as you listen to His prayer?

For further reading: John 17

Dear Lord Jesus,

In your darkest hours you were thinking of and praying for us! And not only did you pray for us then, you continue to intercede for us before the Father today. You know our needs. You know our weaknesses. You know our hardships. You know our future paths. You know exactly how to pray for all these things! How can we thank you? We are humbled by this truth and amazed by this unending love. Amen.