4/30/2024 0 Comments Protect ThemJohn 17:6-19
Jesus’ Prayer for the Disciples https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+17%3A6-19&version=NRSVUE For those who are following the lectionary, you may notice that I skipped ahead one week. Actually, I reversed the readings for this week and next week to fit what our church is doing for the current sermon series. I just thought I should explain that to avoid any confusion. After Jesus finished his final, private conversations with his disciples, he turned to the Father and prayed for them. Intercessery prayer is a powerful prayer practice that answers our call to love and care for others by praying for them. Jesus models this practice in this scripture passage, and we see his heartfelt desire to protect his disciples. In last week’s metaphor of the vine and its branches, Jesus illustrated the closeness of their relationship. We continue to see how intimately connected he felt to them by this intimate prayer. His deep concern for his disciples’ well-being is revealed. He refers to them as “those whom God has given him,” (v.6) which hints that Jesus sees them as gifts from God. They belong to him. Jesus also acknowledges that he has kept those entrusted to him safe and that not one of them has been lost. He takes seriously the sacred trust placed upon him to protect and guide them. This prayer shows his unwavering commitment to safeguarding his followers and ensuring their spiritual growth and protection from harm. Jesus is not only concerned with physical safety but also with the disciples' spiritual well-being. He prays for their sanctification and asks God to set them apart for holy purposes. This reveals Jesus' desire for his followers to be spiritually strengthened and protected from the temptations and challenges of the world. Jesus wanted to protect not only his disciples then, but all who follow him today. Just as he prayed for his disciples, he intercedes for us. He ensures that we are not overcome by the trials and tribulations of life. As we navigate the complexities of the world, we can trust that Jesus is watching over us, guarding us against harm, and guiding us on the right path. Let us also be mindful of our role in protecting others. Just as Jesus cared for his disciples, we are called to care for one another and offer support, guidance, and protection to those in need. May we embody the spirit of Jesus, the ultimate Protector, in our interactions with others and ensure that all are safe and loved in the embrace of God's grace. Reflection Questions: Have you experienced Jesus’ protection before? How does it make you feel to know that Jesus cares so much about your wellbeing that he prays for God to protect you? Have you ever thought of yourself as a gift from God to Jesus? How does that make you feel to be a gift? Does it make you think differently about your relationship with Jesus? How can we care for others’ protection? What can we do to help protect others? Action: Do something that helps protect someone this week.
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