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THINGS JESUS PRAYED FOR in John 17.
As Jesus prayed for his disciples, He prayed for 4 things. These for things I think He is still praying for in each one of us.
1. Jesus
prays that they would be protected v 11-12, 15
This protection is necessary because
there are enemies of the disciples. The
world's ideas and ideology is against them. Jesus says more than once that the
world has hated them.
The world's antagonism to Jesus and to
the disciples is because they do not belong to the world.
The second enemy is the devil. Look at verse 15. The devil is real we should never dismiss his
danger. Though he is a conquered foe, he
is one who can still be a thorn in our side.
All throughout the Bible there are sobering evidences of the impressive
power Satan.
2. Jesus
prays that they be united v 11
The unity of the disciples are great
importance for Jesus. In a moment, he will ask for their unity in the context
of their witness.
Because they are in a war, it is
important that they are unified. Unity
will give way to their victory. Unity will
give them strength, unity will give them encouragement, unity will give them resolve. Unity will give them a constant presentation
of the message to which they are called.
3. Jesus
prays that they be delighted v 13
Despite the formidable foes which will
confront them, Jesus is praying for these disciples to experience the joy of
Christ. Do you find it remarkable that Jesus can refer to his own joy when he
knows that's the most appalling suffering is about to engulf him?
The joy of Jesus is not passing,
sporadic, or unpredictable, but rather the joy of the Lord is consistent, and
lasting. Joy is the mark of the kingdom
of God.
4. Jesus
prays that they be dedicated v 17-19
Although the
world is a very threatening place for these disciples, Jesus does not want them
to be removed from it. A major reason why they are to remain in the world is
because he has a purpose for them there.
V 18... They are to go forth on
mission.
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