Scripture to Read: John 17:13–19
Jesus continued His prayer for His eleven disciples. Jesus prayed this in John 17:13–19, “But now I come to You; and these things I speak in the world so that they may have My joy made full in themselves. 14 I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. 15 I do not ask You to take them out of the world, but to keep them from the evil one. 16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. 17 Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth. 18 As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. 19 For their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they themselves also may be sanctified in truth.” Jesus knew everything He taught the disciples while He was with them so they would be filled with His joy. What Jesus taught them was God the Father’s Word. God’s Word changes lives, and Jesus, through His prayer, reminds us of how powerful God’s Word is to everyone who listens to and obeys it. Jesus knew the world would hate them, but He did not ask the Father to remove them but to keep them safe from the evil one. Rest assured, Christ is praying that for all of His followers today too (Romans 8:34, Hebrews 7:25). Also, Jesus gave Himself as a holy sacrifice so we could be made holy by God the Father’s Truth.
Challenge & Application
• What sticks out to you about Jesus’ prayer for His disciples and why?
• How are you praying for yourself and other believers each day?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!