Jesus prays for his people

Introduction

When we struggle with temptation, when we suffer and feel like we are holding on with our finger tips. When doubts seem to overwhelm us. Where can we find comfort?

We can find comfort and strength in the intercession of Jesus Christ.

Hebrews 7:25 “25 Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.”

In a sense Jesus saving work was finished on the cross, and in his resurrection. But in another sense it still goes on- his heavenly session.

What does he pray for his people? We find the answer in this passage.

Give context- Jesus’ final hours with is disciples. Soon he is to be betrayed and handed over, crucified, buried and rise.

Jesus has told his disciples he is leaving them.

We are told many times in the gospels that Jesus prayed. But we have very few records of what he prayed.

Here we have an entire recorded prayer in v.13 we read these things were said for our comfort and joy.

Jesus prays this for all of his people- v.20

What Christ prays for his people will happen.

The one who wants these things for us is the one who has the power to make it happen. We want things for people but often feel powerless to bring them into effect, not so with Christ.

What does he pray for his people?

I. Jesus prays for unity v.11,21

Keep them so they may be united v11, 21

I am not in the world but they are in the world- Christ’s concern for his people.

a) Keep them through your name-

Keep them in your name- Some people interpret power of God’s name- his attributes and person.

Others interpret keep them faithful. Keep them as those who bear your name, keep them living in accord with your character.

b) That they may be one

They may be one as we are v.11 One in purpose, one in love.

Jesus desires our unity to be like the unity there in within the God head. A perfect unity.

Why is unity so important?

i) that the world may know you have sent me v.21

ii) that the world may know you have loved them v.23

Unity is important to the Lord Jesus Christ, this is what he speaks of most in his prayer.

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Is unity important to us? It is important to Christ. This is something he prays for us.

Challenge

Encouragement

II. Jesus prays for protection v.15

Keep them from the evil one v.15 

a) Not to be taken out of the world

They were not to be removed from suffering-

Through suffering they would become more like Christ

They had a task to do in this world Mt 28:19-20

b) but to be protected from the devil.

This does not mean no suffering, but that suffering will not be destructive.

Peter, Peter… I have prayed for you

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This means when we are tempted or tried we can be certain it will not be fatal. God will keep us.

Christ is praying this for his people now.

III. Jesus prays for holiness v.17

Sanctify them by your truth, Your word v.17 

Sanctify- set apart as holy.

a) God sanctifies

This is the will of God- your sanctification

God is the agent, his word is the means.

b) he does this through his word

God does this by his word.

Perhaps one of the reasons we have the Bible on our laps is in answer to this prayer of Christ.

c) Christ died for our sanctification

Christ sanctified himself v.19 he set himself apart for the cross, so his people can be sanctified by the truth.

2 Cor 5:15 “15 and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again.”

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Is holiness important to us?

Here Jesus tells us the way God makes us holy, it is by his word. Are we in his word?

We can press on growing in grace knowing we are running a course that is certain, because Christ is praying for it.

IV. Jesus prays for us to be with him v.24

Be with him in heaven and see his glory v.24 

a)This is the desire of Christ

Here we see the love of Jesus for those who believe in him, his people.

Do we think the Father would refuse what the Son wants? The Father and the Son want the same thing.

b) We with him where he is

In heaven- safe at last.

c) That we may see his glory

Unveiled. When we see him we shall be like him for we shall see him as he is.

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What assurance we can have! What confidence we can have in Christ!

Conclusion

Jesus prayed this prayer for the encouragement of his disciples.

What an encouragement these verses are to us.

Before the throne of God above I have a strong and perfect plea; a great High Priest whose name is Love, who ever lives and pleads for me. My name is graven on his hands, my name is written on his heart. I know that while in heav'n he stands no tongue can bid me thence depart, no tongue can bid me thence depart.

But we must notice what Jesus says in v.9 I do not pray for the world.

This special care and interecession of Christ is only for those who believe in him.

But if you do believe be encouraged Christ ever lives to intercede for you.