#11 Top 40 New Testament Passages: Jesus Prays for You (John 17:20-21)

“I ask not only on behalf of these, but also on behalf of those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one. As you, Father, are in me and I am in you, may they also be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. (John 17:2021)

Take the time to read through the gospel of John. It's only 21 chapters. It's practically required reading for Evangelical Christians, because John does not keep Jesus' identity as the divine Son of God a secret to his readers. Jesus pre-exists the world, living in unity with God the Father, and in fellowship with the Holy Spirit. The trinity was not yet a doctrine of the church when John's gospel was written, but this gospel account gives the doctrine good source material. John's gospel is vastly different from the other gospels. For instance, there aren't  exactly any parables. Jesus uses metaphor, but not in the form of a story with a moral lesson. Jesus says he is the sheep gate, the good shepherd, the light of the world, the bread of heaven, and the vine in which we branches must abide in order to bear fruit that lasts. There are miracles. At the wedding in Cana, Jesus changed the water into wine. John claims this to be the first of Jesus' miracles. And there are lengthy conversations. Jesus speaks more in John than any other gospel. (change my mind) John even tells the reader why he wrote his gospel account. 

Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book. But these are written so that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name. (John 20:30-31)

John contains the number one New Testament verse, the gospel in one sentence, John 3:16. Jesus raised his friend Lazarus from the dead. And soon after he prepared for the cross, knowing fully that His death was coming soon, He gathered His chosen disciples together for the Passover.  The Passover meal and conversation is recorded in chapters 13 through 17. 

Jesus washed their feet, an example of humble service which the Church is to follow. Then Jesus tells the gathering it's time for Him to go away. There are questions. Where is He going and why can't the disciples go with Jesus? Jesus explains that unless He goes, the Holy Spirit cannot come. By the ministry of the Holy Spirit the Church will be convinced, empowered, and guided by the counsel of the Spirit. Jesus tells them all about the Holy Spirit. He tells them that through the Spirit He and His Father will abide in the disciples. Jesus gives them a new commandment to love one another. And finally Jesus prays for them.

The prayer takes up the whole of John chapter 17. It has been called Jesus' High Priestly Prayer. Jesus prays for the disciples who walked with him for 3 years in ministry. Now it's time to let them go. Through the Holy Spirit they will end up doing more than Jesus did! (John 14:12) Now He offers them up to the care of the Father. He prays for their protection, for He is sending them out into the world to spread the gospel and build up the Kingdom of God. He prays for their unity. He prays that they share in God's glory and love.

But did you know that Jesus specifically prayed for you? The first time I read this prayer I got teary-eyed. Knowing John to be dated to the late first century, I was deeply moved to realize Jesus prayed for His future Church. The words sung to my heart. It felt personal and immediate. Jesus prayed that we, who would learn the teachings of the apostles, (That's the 27 books of the New Testament) would be united with God the Father and the Son through the Holy Spirit. 

I ask not only on behalf of these, but also on behalf of those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one. (John 17:20-21a)

Our unity with each other in the church is a reflection of the unity God knows within Godself, the unity of Father, Son and Holy Spirit. And when the Church is united in Christ, it is a sign to the world that what we say, about who Jesus is and why Jesus matters, is true. The unity of the Church is our witness to the world, so that the world may believe and have life!

This spring the United Methodist Church is facing a possible split over tensions resulting from disagreements on how to faithfully respond to the LGBTQIA+ cry for justice and full inclusion in church and society. We do not agree on the authority of scripture, nor how to read it. We do not all agree that homosexuality is sinful. Some reject that notion. This tension has built to the breaking point, and 2020 will likely see the current denomination divide into 2 or possibly 3 new denominations. This division weakens our witness to the world. 

And so with tears Jesus prayed for us to be united. And He gave Himself up to be crucified to draw all the world to Himself.  May we some day find freedom from division and gain true unity, that all the world may know Jesus and believe the gospel.

Take heart! Christ has overcome the world and its troubles, so that He is the Savior of the world.