Wednesday | Week 13
Upon finishing his final instructions to his disciples, Jesus prayed his longest personal prayer recorded in Scripture. Given that this was his final prayer before his arrest, I can only begin to imagine the feelings Jesus was experiencing in these last moments.
There are different elements and themes intertwined throughout his final prayer, many of which are themes that characterize the entire Gospel of John. However, a few of these elements are especially striking. As followers, we can meditate on and model the desires that Jesus conveys to the Father.
In the beginning of his prayer, Jesus pleads for the glorification of God the Father. Clearly at the forefront of Jesus’ mind is that everything he has done and still has left to do on the earth will bring glory to God. He hopes for all people to know God the Father, so that they may have eternal life. As you read through the beginning of Jesus’ prayer, pay close attention to his focus. Despite the terrifying fate he is knowingly about to face, Jesus’ attention is solely on God’s glory. This mindset is unnatural for us as humans—to be surrounded by overwhelming circumstances, but to be focused first and foremost on how God will be glorified through it all.
Ask God to aid you in intentionally choosing to focus on him above all of life’s troubles. In your prayers, declare that the glorification of God the Father will take precedence over every aspect of your life.
Another theme of Jesus’ prayer is unity among believers. Specifically, one that echoes the unity between God the Father and Jesus Christ. Jesus addresses this topic while both praying for his disciples, as well as while praying for all believers. He prays that this unity, displayed by believers, will be a testament to the rest of the world of who Christ is. The objective is clearly not just the benefit of Christ followers, but an evangelistic aim for the rest of the world.
Upon reading this text, I encourage you to meditate on this concept of unity in the body of believers. Think about the role you are playing in that, and if you have played it well. Pray that your eyes will be opened to areas of your life where you can better promote unification among believers.