Jesus made many prayers, but this one was made in words in the presence of His disciples - it is for them and for us to hear.

Let us reflect today on the things Jesus was concerned for our sakes. Are they things we are concerned about as well? Do we pray for these?

Our Sanctification

“I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they also may be sanctified by the truth.” (John 17:14-19)

To be sanctified is to be made holy, set aside for special purpose. This was Jesus’ earnest desire for His believers, whom He had given His words. 

How does the truth sanctify us? God’s words teach us the true nature of the world - that it is under the control of the evil one, and what our true purpose is - to come out of the world, and be its light.

Do we keep God’s words - this awareness of our status in this world - in our minds at all times? Or have we slowly been assimilated to be a part of this world?

Our Unity

““I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one:” (John 17:20-22) 

Jesus also prays for His disciples to be united. Do we view our faith as purely a personal affair - between us and God? Jesus viewed our unity among believers - the unity of His Church - as something of great importance.

Do we esteem this as well? 

Let us not only care about our own spiritual condition, but also care for the spiritual condition of our brethren - so that we can truly grow as the one body of Christ.

Beholding Jesus’ glory

““Father, I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory which You have given Me; for You loved Me before the foundation of the world.” John 17:24

Jesus desired that His disciples may be able to behold His glory. This clearly was not for His own sake, but for the sake of His disciples. 

Jesus’ glory is from the Father. When we behold His glory, we see what the world, which does not know Jesus, cannot see - the hope of His calling, the riches of His inheritance and the greatness of His power (Eph 1:18-19). And this vantage point can fill us with strength and hope to endure to the end.

How can we behold His glory then? Just as Jesus was glorified when He accomplished the work for which He was sent, we too today can behold Jesus’ glory when we participate in His work.

May we always be of one heart with our Lord.