After Jesus said this,
he looked toward heaven and prayed
(Jn 17:1)
Jesus had just finished sharing the Passover Feast with His friends and disciples. In a matter of hours, He would be arrested. So He headed to the garden to pray.
Facing His greatest trial, Jesus looked toward heaven.
How much more should we?
Jesus prayed that He would bring glory to God. He prayed the same for His disciples . . . for us. This is a prayer we should continually pray for one another, as well.
They are not of the world,
even as I am not of it
(Jn 17:16).
Remember, fellow alien, we are not of this world. Our home is with the Lord. We belong to the Kingdom of Heaven, as declared by its King.
I have given them the glory that you gave me,
that they may be one as we are one:
I in them and you in me.
May they be brought to complete unity
to let the world know
that you sent me
and have loved them
even as you have loved me
(Jn 17:22-23).
Jesus bestows upon His followers the highest honor and blessing—He is in us. He does so for the greatest of purposes—unity.
Jesus prayed that we would know the depth of the Father's love. Its depth is unfathomable, but its sweetness can be tasted in diving its depths.
I have often given thanks to God for continuing to answer the prayers given years ago by my Yia-Yia, my grandmother. I must remember to thank Him for answering the prayers of my Savior, Jesus Christ.
Remember the prayer Jesus prayed. And don’t forget to remember, God has already answered them.
Lord Jesus, thank You for bringing glory to God, the Father. Please accept my thanks for the prayers You agonized on our behalf. Thank You for teaching us how to pray. Continue to make God known to us. Through You in us, may we strive for unity and reflect Your glory.