Jesus Prays

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ!

I hope and pray that you will have a great weekend, especially as you worship on Sunday!

Today's text is from John 17:20-26 where John tells of Jesus' prayer for his disciples just prior to his betrayal and subsequent death and resurrection. Jesus interceded for his disciples who were about to go through the most difficult time of their lives. They would lose their leader and their hearts would be filled with uncertainty. They would lose self-confidence and in a very real way, they would lose their sense of direction.

The point I'd like to share today is that Jesus prayed for them - and I believe that Jesus continues to pray and intercede on our behalf before God the Father. As much as their hearts were filled with uncertainty due to Jesus' betrayal and death, I'm also certain that in some perhaps mysterious yet powerful way their hearts were affirmed and assured through Jesus' prayer. Looking at the bigger picture, we can see just how powerful and effective Jesus' prayer was as the disciples eventually went on to wait for the promise of the Holy Spirit after which they "turned the world upside down" with their ministry to Jesus Christ (Acts 17:6 NRSV).

Do you sense or face uncertainty in your life, family, job, church, relationships, etc., today? If so, be assured that Jesus is interceding for us and that he will affirm our faith.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for your presence, and thank you praying for me. Grant me your assuring power in the midst of my uncertainty. In your holy name I pray. Amen.

By grace alone,
Pastor David