Jesus Prays for Us
There are moments in scripture that leave us awestruck, filled with hope and purpose. One such moment is found in John 17—a powerful prayer where Jesus intercedes for His followers. This prayer offers a glimpse into His heart and lays out a blueprint for how we’re meant to live as believers in this world. Let’s dive into six key truths from this prayer and reflect on how they can shape our lives today.
1. Jesus Prays for Our Protection
Jesus begins by praying for our protection. But His request might surprise you. In John 17:15, He says, “I’m not asking you to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one.”
Notice that Jesus doesn’t ask for an escape plan or a trouble-free life. Instead, He prays for protection within the world—a world filled with challenges, temptations, and injustices. His desire isn’t to shield us from every storm but to equip us to stand strong in the midst of it. It’s about having peace that passes understanding, even when the winds rage around us. What an incredible reminder that we’re safe in His hands, no matter the circumstances.
2. Jesus Prays for Our Unity
Next, Jesus prays for our unity. In John 17:21, He says, “I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one… And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me.”
This unity isn’t about uniformity. It’s not about looking the same, thinking the same, or even agreeing on everything. Instead, it’s a deep, spiritual unity rooted in love and our shared mission in Christ. In a world often divided by opinions, backgrounds, and circumstances, unity among believers stands out as a powerful testimony of God’s love.
When we love one another and unite around Jesus, the world gets a glimpse of who He is. Despite our differences, we’re held together by the truth of the Gospel and our common purpose.
3. Jesus Prays for Our Joy
Amidst the reality of His impending death, Jesus takes time to pray for our joy. In John 17:13, He says, “I told them many things while I was with them in this world so they would be filled with my joy.”
This isn’t a fleeting happiness dependent on circumstances. It’s a deep, abiding joy that comes from knowing who we are in God, having peace in our hearts, and being assured of our purpose. It’s a joy that thrives even in difficulty because it rests on the unchanging truths of God’s love, presence, and promises. When we live with this kind of joy, we show the world that there’s something different about us—something unshakable.
4. Jesus Prays for the Mission
Jesus’ prayer doesn’t stop with our protection, unity, and joy. He prays for our mission, saying in John 17:18, “Just as you sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world.”
This mission is not about escaping the world or retreating into our comfort zones. Instead, it’s about being a light in the darkness, a force for good, and a source of hope. Jesus’ mission was to teach, heal, serve, and ultimately sacrifice Himself for us. As His followers, we’re called to continue that mission by living out His love and sharing His message of hope with a world that desperately needs it.
5. Jesus Prays for You
Here’s one of the most incredible truths in this passage: Jesus was praying for you. In John 17:20, He says, “I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message.” That includes every believer throughout history—including you and me.
Jesus took time, just before facing the cross, to pray for us. He prayed for our unity, our protection, our joy, and our mission. He prayed that we wouldn’t just survive but thrive, living lives that point others to His greatness and draw them into His kingdom. What an incredible privilege to know that Jesus interceded for us and continues to do so!
6. The Bigger Story
Finally, Jesus’ prayer reminds us that we are part of a much bigger story. When we follow Him, we’re not just joining a church or a religious movement. We’re stepping into a narrative of unity, love, joy, and mission that began over 2,000 years ago and continues today.
This story doesn’t end with us. We’re called to embrace our role and live it out boldly. Let’s commit to living with joy in the face of challenges, uniting with believers around the world, and stepping boldly into the mission Jesus has given us. We have the privilege of being His hands and feet, sharing His love with a world that needs it now more than ever.
What’s Your Next Step?
Take a moment to reflect: How can you live out Jesus’ prayer for unity, joy, and mission this week? Who can you reach out to in love? How can you shine His light in your community? Remember, Jesus is praying for your success in this mission. Let’s live with hope, purpose, and boldness, knowing that we’re part of something far greater than ourselves.
You are His gift to the world—so go and shine brightly!