“After Jesus said this, He looked toward heaven and prayed:” John 17:1
The entire chapter of John 17 is known as “Jesus’ High Priestly Prayer” and it is His longest recorded prayer in the New Testament. It is called by this title because Jesus prays as a High Priest would do so. He begins by praying for Himself, and then for His Disciples, and then finally, for all believers living or yet to be. Everyone who reads this devotion today should take the time, today, to read the entire chapter. Just after Jesus completes this prayer, He is arrested and goes to trial and ultimately crucifixion. One should note the context of this prayer to understand its fervency and objective.
It’s interesting to me that Jesus should pray for Himself. His entire ministry has been for others, and yet, at this crucial time as He prepares for death, He takes the time to pray for Himself. Jesus is always in communion with His Father, but He finds it necessary to offer prayer and have the Holy Spirit record it in Scripture as an example for us to follow. When we are in desperate need it is important that we pray. If Jesus did so in His time of trial, how much more is it important for us to do so?
I find it comforting and reassuring that Jesus should pray for HIs Disciples just after He has prayed for Himself. Jesus knew the great struggles that His Disciples would be facing, not just in the recent days to come, but as they continued on with His ministry, even as they did so unto martyrdom. He prays for their protection from “the evil one” and that they may be kept in the truth.
Perhaps even more comforting is the fact that Jesus prays then for all believers. He prays for their unity with one another and most especially in Him and the Father. That prayer resonates to our present day and unto eternity. This means, we have Jesus praying for us continually and Jesus’ prayer will always be heard and answered in the affirmative by His Father.
Know that you are loved!
Peace and Joy,
Pastor Kilian
