Jesus Prays for Us

Robert Murray McCheyne (Minister in Scotland from 1835-1843) wrote, “If I could hear Christ praying for me in the next room, I would not fear a million of enemies. Yet the distance makes no difference; He is praying for me.” [2] That is a powerful affirmation for each as believers to know.

As a Christian, would you conduct your life differently if you knew that Jesus was praying for you? Would you live more boldly if you heard Jesus praying for you? The fact is, Jesus is praying for you!

Though we may not hear Him McCheyne was right, He is praying for us. The Bible assures us that He does pray for us; and that knowledge should encourage each of us.

In we read what is called “The Lord’s High Priestly Prayer” for His disciples.

First he is praying for “All those” God had given to him. Meaning his disciple. However, this also means that he is praying for you… Those who are here and are trusting in Him for love, forgiveness, provisions… You matter to him. (vs. 20)

What you are going through in life right now… He Understand and identifies with us. He is Interceding for you!

Struggling in a Relationship?

Struggling with a sinful habit?

Struggling with alcohol or drugs or pornography?

Struggling with forgiving others or maybe even forgiving yourself?

Struggling with your job or your finances?

All we have to do is ask him for his help… for his leadership in our lives… for us to have a willing heart to follow him; to trust him. This doesn’t mean that your road will be paved with gold and that it will necessarily be smooth sailing, but he is interceding for you!!!

He know what you are going through… He knew what his disciples would go through once he was crucified, risen, and ascended to heaven.

He knew Peter would betray Him…

Luke 22:31–32 NIV

31 “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat. 32 But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”

He prays that they would be ‘One’ as He and God the Father are ‘One.’ (Unity)

You’ve heard the phrase, “United with stand, divided we fall.” Jesus knew Peter would deny Him (); that His disciples would abandon him in his last hours… () ‘Everyone deserted Him and fled.’ He also knew how important it was for them to stick together. Strength comes in numbers. says,

Ecclesiastes 4:12 NIV

12 Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

ILLUSTRATION: This is footballs season… when it comes to the offensive line, verses the defensive line, the one that will win will be the strongest and quickest. But it takes them all to work together.

In the church God calls us to work together… to support one another; to encourage each other; to be part of equipping one another. Jesus knew that Peter needed to be the central figure to bring His disciples back together after his death and resurrection. Jesus knows what we need.

Jesus said to God the Father, “…I have given them your word and the world has hated them.”

Can you imagine, the person you grew to love, respect and honor, is taken from you, crucified, and buried, and just because you associated with Him, those in the world hate you? Even after Jesus had risen from the grave; the dead, and ascended into heaven, His disciples face ridicule, in-prisoned…

In Peter and John had been put in jail. When they came before the Sanhedrin (the Jewish elders and counsel) they were ordered (v. 18) not to teach or speak in the name of Jesus again, Peter and John replied, “Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to obey you rather than God. For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.” (v. 19) After their release we read their prayer in READ

Together, Peter, John, and the rest of the Disciples stood praying for God to speak the truth of God with boldness (v. 29)

We know from history that all of the remaining 11, with the exception of John, were martyred for their Faith and proclamation of Jesus. Jesus KNEW the struggles that they would have, so he prayed that they would be one just as He and the Father are One, finding strength by faith in God together. The Key to all of this? Jesus gave us His Word!

The Bible Exposition Commentary Chapter Eighteen: The Prayer of the Overcomer (John 17)

It is not enough merely to study the Bible and learn a great deal of doctrinal truth. We must also love Jesus Christ more as we learn all that He is and all He has done for us. Learning and loving should lead to living, allowing the Spirit of God to enable us to obey His Word. This is how we glorify Him in this present evil world.

The Word gives us joy, love, and power to live a holy life. It also gives us what we need to serve Him as witnesses in this world (John 17:18–19). Sanctification is not for the purpose of selfish enjoyment or boasting; it is so that we might represent Christ in this world and win others to Him. Jesus set Himself apart for us, and now He has set us apart for Him. The Father sent Him into the world, and now He sends us into the world. We are people “under orders” and we had better obey! Jesus is now “set apart” in heaven, praying for us, that our witness will bear fruit as many repent of their sins and turn to the Lord.

How can we be overcome by the world when we have the Word of God to enlighten us, enable us, and encourage us?

The Bible tells us that Jesus is ...

The Expositor’s Bible Commentary, Volume 9: John and Acts 2. The Prayer Concerning the Disciples (17:6–19)

“Sanctify” (hagiazō) means “to separate” or “to set apart,” usually for some specially good purpose or use. Its derivative meaning thus becomes “dedicate” or “consecrate” and then “to revere” or “to purify.” The believer is so changed by the working of God’s Word in his life that he is separated from evil and to God. This new devotion, which results in separation from evil, produces purification of life and consecration to God’s service. Since the Word of God is truth, it provides the unchanging standard for the course and character of life. The form of the expression “your word” raises the possibility that Jesus may have been referring to himself when he spoke. He had said that he was “the truth” (14:6); so as the Logos of God he embodied truth in its totality.

Our Advocate:

1 John 2:1 NIV

1 My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One.

An Advocate is someone who pleads on someone else’s behalf. In the case of humanity, we know that without Christ our sins separate us from God. … But Jesus is our advocate - our ‘Care Giver.’

Jesus Advocates for us in that we need his assistance in order for us to come into the presence of God with our sins forgiven based on his death and resurrection and our faith in Him. ,

Romans 3:23 NIV

23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

Ephesians 2:8 NIV

8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—

Ephesians 2:9 NIV

9 not by works, so that no one can boast.

Let me ILLUSTRATE it this way… If someone had been in prison for a felony they committed. Did their prison time and were then released, they might have a difficult time finding a job. But an advocate can come along side of them before a potential employer and say, “Yes, they committed that crime, for which they paid the price by being in prison. But i’m here to assure you that this person isn’t the same person who went into prison. He is different. He has learned his lesson. You will not go wrong in hiring this person! That is an advocate.

That’s what Jesus does for us before God based on His sacrificial death for our sins and His resurrection from the dead. Jesus is saying, “I paid the Price for that person’s sins and they believe in me and have repented of their sins. They are not the fallen broken, sinful person that they once where. They are my brother or sister in My name.

He Intercedes: ;

Romans 8:34 NIV

34 Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.

Hebrews 7:25 NIV

25 Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.

To intercede means: to intervene on behalf of another person. When Jesus is before God he is saying to God, Yes, this is one of your creation who was a sinner… but all those things that he did in sin, they’ve been removed. In other words he is saying, There is no sin in this persons life.

What does God do with the sins we confess?

Psalm 103:10–12 NIV

10 he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. 11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; 12 as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.

Matthew Henry’s Commentary on the Whole Bible: Complete and Unabridged in One Volume John 17:1–5

his intercession in heaven is a presenting of his merit to his Father, with a suing out of the benefit of it for all his chosen ones.

Our Mediator:

1 Timothy 2:5 NIV

5 For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus,

A Mediator: A person who attempts to make people who are involved in a conflict to come to an agreement.

There may be a dispute between you and your employer. You belong to a Union and you have a Union rep who works at bringing reconciliation. That what Jesus did for us. He brought reconciliation between us and God.

Even now, though we may fall into temptation and sin, Jesus is our mediator saying to God, “I paid the price for ‘All’ this person’s sins, past, present, and future. Based on my shed blood, death, burial, and resurrection, and their faith in me, they have been cleansed by my blood because of their faith in me, the one you sent to take away the sins of the world.

Jesus is our Advocate; He is making intercession for us. He is our mediator. This is the work that Jesus is now performing on behalf of each one who belongs to Him. If we can truly grasp what this means for us on a daily basis, we would be a people with inner peace and courageous confidence in every area of life.

This doesn’t mean that there wont be concerns or conflict, or butterflies; it means we know with certainty that we have a ‘Friend’ in Christ. Someone who completely understand what we are going through and what we will go through.

Hebrews 4:14–16 NIV

14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. 16 Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

As we grasp this, what an impact it will have on our lives and behavior. Look at what Jesus prays for regarding each one of us!!!

Jesus intercedes for us; He is our advocate! God answers prayers...

What you are going through in life right now… He Understand and identifies with us. He is Interceding for you!

Struggling in a Relationship?

Struggling with a sinful habit?

Struggling with alcohol or drugs or pornography?

Struggling with forgiving others or maybe even forgiving yourself?

Struggling with your job or your finances?

All we have to do is ask him for his help… for his leadership in our lives… for us to have a willing heart to follow him; to trust him. This doesn’t mean that your road will be paved with gold and that it will necessarily be smooth sailing, but he is interceding for you!!!

He know what you are going through… He knew what his disciples would go through once he was crucified, risen, and ascended to heaven.

He know what you are going through… He knew what his disciples would go through once he was crucified, risen, and ascended to heaven.

He knew Peter would betray Him…

Luke 22:32 NIV

32 But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”

Luke 22:31–32 NIV

31 “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat. 32 But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”

Jesus intercedes for us; He is our advocate! God answers prayers...

You’ve heard the phrase, “United with stand, divided we fall.” Jesus knew Peter would deny Him (); that His disciples would abandon him in his last hours… () ‘Everyone deserted Him and fled.’ He also knew how important it was for them to stick together. Strength comes in numbers. says,

Luke 22:34 NIV

34 Jesus answered, “I tell you, Peter, before the rooster crows today, you will deny three times that you know me.”

Mark 14:50 NIV

50 Then everyone deserted him and fled.

says, “A strand of two or three cords cannot easily be broken.”

Ecclesiastes 4:12 NIV

12 Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

ILLUSTRATION: This is footballs season… when it comes to the offensive line, verses the defensive line, the one that will win will be the strongest and quickest. But it takes them all to work together.

In the church God calls us to work together… to support one another; to encourage each other; to be part of equipping one another. Jesus knew that Peter needed to be the central figure to bring His disciples back together after his death and resurrection. Jesus knows what we need.

Jesus said to God the Father, “…I have given them your word and the world has hated them.”

Can you imagine, the person you grew to love, respect and honor, is taken from you, crucified, and buried, and just because you associated with Him, those in the world hate you? Even after Jesus had risen from the grave; the dead, and ascended into heaven, His disciples face ridicule, in-prisoned…

In Peter and John had been put in jail. When they came before the Sanhedrin (the Jewish elders and counsel) they were ordered (v. 18) not to teach or speak in the name of Jesus again, Peter and John replied, “Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to obey you rather than God. For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.” (v. 19) After their release we read their prayer in READ

Together, Peter, John, and the rest of the Disciples stood praying for God to speak the truth of God with boldness (v. 29)

We know from history that all of the remaining 11, with the exception of John, were martyred for their Faith and proclamation of Jesus. Jesus KNEW the struggles that they would have, so he prayed that they would be one just as He and the Father are One, finding strength by faith in God together. The Key to all of this? Jesus gave us His Word!

The Bible Exposition Commentary Chapter Eighteen: The Prayer of the Overcomer (John 17)

It is not enough merely to study the Bible and learn a great deal of doctrinal truth. We must also love Jesus Christ more as we learn all that He is and all He has done for us. Learning and loving should lead to living, allowing the Spirit of God to enable us to obey His Word. This is how we glorify Him in this present evil world.

The Word gives us joy, love, and power to live a holy life. It also gives us what we need to serve Him as witnesses in this world (John 17:18–19). Sanctification is not for the purpose of selfish enjoyment or boasting; it is so that we might represent Christ in this world and win others to Him. Jesus set Himself apart for us, and now He has set us apart for Him. The Father sent Him into the world, and now He sends us into the world. We are people “under orders” and we had better obey! Jesus is now “set apart” in heaven, praying for us, that our witness will bear fruit as many repent of their sins and turn to the Lord.

How can we be overcome by the world when we have the Word of God to enlighten us, enable us, and encourage us?

Jesus prays for God’s protection upon us ...

In marriage and family, there are times when couples don’t see eye to eye, children begin to sprout their wings so to speak and life can get messy. But Jesus is praying for you and asking God to help you figure things out so that you can stand together as a family! All he asks of you is to Seek Him first! Not your own interests, or the interest of others, but what he wants for you and how he can help you through those challenging times. It doesn’t mean the road will always be smooth and without bumps, cracks, and pot holes. But God is there to fix things for you because he loves you and care about you and Jesus is Praying for you! Jesus prays for our unity! In our spiritual life, we need God. In our earthly life, we need one another AND God!

When Bonnie and I left SD nearly 12 years ago, we knew that God was working; Jesus was interceding for us. when we walked out of and elementary concert once night, without saying anything to one another at first we knew our time there was coming to an end; that God was preparing us for a move. If my memory serves me correctly, we said nothing to one another until after I got off of a phone call that night. I said to Bonnie, ‘you’ll never know what that was?’ I told her it was from a church that wanted to know if we would be interested in becoming their pastor. It was then that we both said that while we were at the concert, we felt like God was preparing us to leave, When the phone rang that night, we both wondered, without having said anything to one another, is this an inquirer? It was. Our prayer was that God would open and close doors. Each time I visited by phone or we spend time with the search committee, I felt like it went well, but I din’t think it would go any further. It did.

He prays that they would be ‘One’ as He and God the Father are ‘One.’

You’ve heard the phrase, “United with stand, divided we fall.” Jesus knew Peter would deny Him (); that His disciples would abandon him in his last hours… () ‘Everyone deserted Him and fled.’

Jesus said to God the Father, “…I have given them your word and the world has hated them.” Can you imagine, the person you grew to love, respect and honor, is taken from you, crucified, and buried, and just because you associated with Him, those in the world hate you? Even after Jesus had risen from the grave; the dead, and ascended into heaven, His disciples face ridicule, in-prisoned…

In Peter and John had been put in jail. When they came before the Sanhedrin (the Jewish elders and counsel) they were ordered (v. 18) not to teach or speak in the name of Jesus again, Peter and John replied, “Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to obey you rather than God. For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.” (v. 19) After their release we read their prayer in READ

Together, Peter, John, and the rest of the Disciples stood praying for God to speak the truth of God with boldness (v. 29)

We know from history that all of the remaining 12, with the exception of John, were martyred for their Faith and proclamation of Jesus. Jesus KNEW the struggles that they would have, so he prayed that they would be one just as He and the Father are One.

In marriage and family, there are times when couples don’t see eye to eye, children begin to sprout their wings so to speak and life can get messy. But Jesus is praying for you and asking God to help you figure things out so that you can stand together as a family! It doesn’t mean the road will always be smooth and without bumps, cracks, and pot holes. But God is there to fix things for you because he loves you and care about you and Jesus is Praying for you!

Jesus prays for God’s protection upon us ...

A Young boy in Carol Stream, riding on the back of his father’s motor cycle… was spared any injury after his father laid the bike down on it side doing nearly 60 miles an hours… Why do things like this happen to some and not others? I don’t know, but it very well may be that this is what that person might need to really stay close to God!

Remember when Lazarus died? It says that Jesus waited two days before he went to his home. Upon arrival, Lazarus was already dead… Just before Jesus prayed to God to raise him from the dead, he said,

John 11:41–42 NIV

41 So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. 42 I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me.”

There are many difficult things that happen in life to individuals and families, to businesses and churches… But God is always watching over each one of us.

Many of you will appreciate the words sung by George Beverly Shea “His Eye is on the Sparrow” He lived to be 104 years old (Feb. 1, 1909-April 16, 2013)

The Words are as follows...

Why should I feel discouraged, why should the shadows come, Why should my heart be lonely, and long for heaven and home, When Jesus is my portion? My constant friend is He: His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me; His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

I sing because I’m happy, I sing because I’m free, For His eye is on the sparrow, And I know He watches me.

“Let not your heart be troubled,” His tender word I hear, And resting on His goodness, I lose my doubts and fears; Though by the path He leadeth, but one step I may see; His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me; His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

Whenever I am tempted, whenever clouds arise, When songs give place to sighing, when hope within me dies, I draw the closer to Him, from care He sets me free; His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me; His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

I sing because I’m happy, I sing because I’m free, For His eye is on the sparrow, And I know He watches me.

JESUS PRAYS FOR OUR JOY — “These things I speak in the world, that they may have my joy fulfilled in themselves. 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” [, ]. Jesus seeks joy for His people. We may seek happiness, but Jesus seeks joy for us. There is a great difference between joy and happiness. Happiness speaks of our situation at a given time. The word “happy” is derived from the Middle English word “hap,” which implied that one was favoured by fortune. Joy, on the other hand, speaks of a settled condition that is unrelated to circumstances. “Happy” speaks of fortune; “joy” speaks of pleasure or delight.

“Sanctify” (hagiazō) means “to separate” or “to set apart,” usually for some specially good purpose or use. Its derivative meaning thus becomes “dedicate” or “consecrate” and then “to revere” or “to purify.” The believer is so changed by the working of God’s Word in his life that he is separated from evil and to God. This new devotion, which results in separation from evil, produces purification of life and consecration to God’s service. Since the Word of God is truth, it provides the unchanging standard for the course and character of life.

1 Tenney, M. C. (1981). John. In F. E. Gaebelein (Ed.), The Expositor’s Bible Commentary: John and Acts (Vol. 9, p. 165). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House.

The Expositor’s Bible Commentary, Volume 9: John and Acts 2. The Prayer Concerning the Disciples (17:6–19)

Just as the Father sent him with authority, so he gave them authority (cf. Matt 28:18–20); as he had come with a message of God’s love and forgiveness, so they should proclaim the same; as he had come into danger and peril of death, so they would encounter the same problems; and as the Father had sent him to the victory of the Resurrection, so they could expect the same. His words include warning, commission, and encouragement.

The Expositor’s Bible Commentary, Volume 9: John and Acts 2. The Prayer Concerning the Disciples (17:6–19)

Just as the Father sent him with authority, so he gave them authority (cf. Matt 28:18–20); as he had come with a message of God’s love and forgiveness, so they should proclaim the same; as he had come into danger and peril of death, so they would encounter the same problems; and as the Father had sent him to the victory of the Resurrection, so they could expect the same. His words include warning, commission, and encouragement.

Jesus cared more for His Disciples than He did himself

The Expositor’s Bible Commentary, Volume 9: John and Acts 2. The Prayer Concerning the Disciples (17:6–19)

Just as the Father sent him with authority, so he gave them authority (cf. Matt 28:18–20); as he had come with a message of God’s love and forgiveness, so they should proclaim the same; as he had come into danger and peril of death, so they would encounter the same problems; and as the Father had sent him to the victory of the Resurrection, so they could expect the same. His words include warning, commission, and encouragement.

For their sakes I sanctify myself:” Rather, he was devoting himself to God in the interest of his work for the disciples. His example of dedication to the will of the Father, demonstrated in his unswerving acceptance of the Cross, would be the standard for their sanctification.(vs. 19)

Praying for Present Believers

“Sanctify” (hagiazō) means “to separate” or “to set apart,” usually for some specially good purpose or use. Its derivative meaning to become “dedicate” or to “consecrate” oneself and then “to revere” or “to purify.” The believer is so changed by the working of God’s Word in his life that he is separated from evil and to God. This new devotion, which results in separation from evil, produces purification of life and consecration to God’s service. Since the Word of God is truth, it provides the unchanging standard for the course and character of life.

1 Tenney, M. C. (1981). John. In F. E. Gaebelein (Ed.), The Expositor’s Bible Commentary: John and Acts (Vol. 9, p. 165). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House.

The Bible Exposition Commentary Chapter Eighteen: The Prayer of the Overcomer (John 17)

God’s truth has been given to us in three “editions”: His Word is truth (John 17:17); His Son is the truth (John 14:6); and His Spirit is the truth (1 John 5:6). We need all three if we are to experience true sanctification, a sanctification that touches every part of our inner person. With the mind, we learn God’s truth through the Word. With the heart, we love God’s truth, His Son. With the will, we yield to the Spirit and live God’s truth day by day. It takes all three for a balanced experience of sanctification.

Jesus is praying for us that we would be unstained by the wickedness of this world.

Jesus is praying for us that we would be unstained by the wickedness of this world.

His desire is for us to really know God and his love for us; for us to stand strong in worldly opposition to the Words of Jesus; to know that no matter what you are going through He is there/here for you. You truly matter to Jesus.

Do you believe that? Have you begun to grasp what it means for Jesus to be in your corner to help you in ‘All’ things? Can you hear him interceding for you? Can you see him standing before God and saying, I died for that person. God is patient, wanting none to perish; he is waiting upon you to turn to him and trust him. The sooner you do the better.

Matthew Henry’s Commentary on the Whole Bible: Complete and Unabridged in One Volume John 17:1–5

What is last in execution was first in intention, and that is eternal life.

The Bible Exposition Commentary Chapter Eighteen: The Prayer of the Overcomer (John 17)

Eternal life is not something we earn by character or conduct; it is a gift we receive by admitting we are sinners, repenting, and believing on Jesus Christ and Jesus Christ alone.

The Bible Exposition Commentary Chapter Eighteen: The Prayer of the Overcomer (John 17)

There is in heaven today a glorified Man, the God-Man, Jesus Christ! Because He has been glorified in heaven, sinners can be saved on earth. Anyone who trusts Jesus Christ will receive the gift of eternal life.

The Bible Exposition Commentary Chapter Eighteen: The Prayer of the Overcomer (John 17)

It is not enough merely to study the Bible and learn a great deal of doctrinal truth. We must also love Jesus Christ more as we learn all that He is and all He has done for us. Learning and loving should lead to living, allowing the Spirit of God to enable us to obey His Word. This is how we glorify Him in this present evil world.

The Word gives us joy, love, and power to live a holy life. It also gives us what we need to serve Him as witnesses in this world (John 17:18–19). Sanctification is not for the purpose of selfish enjoyment or boasting; it is so that we might represent Christ in this world and win others to Him. Jesus set Himself apart for us, and now He has set us apart for Him. The Father sent Him into the world, and now He sends us into the world. We are people “under orders” and we had better obey! Jesus is now “set apart” in heaven, praying for us, that our witness will bear fruit as many repent of their sins and turn to the Lord.

How can we be overcome by the world when we have the Word of God to enlighten us, enable us, and encourage us?

When Bonnie and I left SD nearly 12 years ago, we knew that God was working; Jesus was interceding for us. when we walked out of and elementary concert once night, without saying anything to one another at first we knew our time there was coming to an end; that God was preparing us for a move. If my memory serves me correctly, we said nothing to one another until after I got off of a phone call that night. I said to Bonnie, ‘you’ll never know what that was?’ I told her it was from a church that wanted to know if we would be interested in becoming their pastor. It was then that we both said that while we were at the concert, we felt like God was preparing us to leave, When the phone rang that night, we both wondered, without having said anything to one another, is this an inquirer? It was. Our prayer was that God would open and close doors. Each time I visited by phone or we spend time with the search committee, I felt like it went well, but I din’t think it would go any further. It did.

Praying for Future Believers

The Expositor’s Bible Commentary, Volume 9: John and Acts 3. The Prayer Concerning Future Believers (17:20–26)

The last section of Jesus’ prayer shows that he expected the failure of the disciples to be only temporary. The entire tone of the farewell discourse is built on the assumption that after the Resurrection they would renew their faith and carry on a new ministry in the power of the Holy Spirit.

The Expositor’s Bible Commentary, Volume 9: John and Acts 3. The Prayer Concerning Future Believers (17:20–26)

The last section of Jesus’ prayer shows that he expected the failure of the disciples to be only temporary. The entire tone of the farewell discourse is built on the assumption that after the Resurrection they would renew their faith and carry on a new ministry in the power of the Holy Spirit.

The Expositor’s Bible Commentary, Volume 9: John and Acts 3. The Prayer Concerning Future Believers (17:20–26)

The last section of Jesus’ prayer shows that he expected the failure of the disciples to be only temporary. The entire tone of the farewell discourse is built on the assumption that after the Resurrection they would renew their faith and carry on a new ministry in the power of the Holy Spirit.

Jesus expected the ministry of the Holy Spirit in the Disciples to result in adding more believers to their number. So his prayer includes all believers in all ages.

The Expositor’s Bible Commentary, Volume 9: John and Acts 3. The Prayer Concerning Future Believers (17:20–26)

At this point, the burden of the prayer is for unity. Jesus had already stressed the need for mutual love that would bind them together for their common task. Now, foreseeing the addition of many more who would increase the diversity of temperaments, backgrounds, and interests, he made a special plea that all might be one. The standard is not an institutional but a personal unity: “Just as you are in me and I am in you.… that they may be one as we are one” (vv. 21–22). He was not calling for uniformity, since he and the Father are distinct from each other and have different functions; nor was he calling for agreement in external opinion. He predicated that the unity would be one of nature; for he and the Father, while distinguishable in person, are one being.

The Expositor’s Bible Commentary, Volume 9: John and Acts 3. The Prayer Concerning Future Believers (17:20–26)

At this point, the burden of the prayer is for unity. Jesus had already stressed the need for mutual love that would bind them together for their common task. Now, foreseeing the addition of many more who would increase the diversity of temperaments, backgrounds, and interests, he made a special plea that all might be one. The standard is not an institutional but a personal unity: “Just as you are in me and I am in you.… that they may be one as we are one” (vv. 21–22). He was not calling for uniformity, since he and the Father are distinct from each other and have different functions; nor was he calling for agreement in external opinion. He predicated that the unity would be one of nature; for he and the Father, while distinguishable in person, are one being.