Jesus Prays for All Believers

Devotional–The Struggle of Sanctification–Jesus Prays for All Believers

“I have glorified you on earth. I have finished the work which You have given Me to do.” John 17:4

John chapter 17 is composed of the three prayers in which Jesus prays for Himself, His Disciples, and all Believers. Our focus will be on Jesus’ prayer for all believers. Jesus clarifies our roles by defining His expectations of future disciples, including you and me.

Three of God’s established characteristics of the church body are Love, Unity, and fulfilling the Great Commission–Witnessing to others.

Love: “Jesus said to him, ‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself'” (Matthew 22:37-39).

Unity: “that they all may be one, as You, Father are in Me, and I in You,” (John 17:21), and that we fulfill our spiritual assignment, The Great Commission–Witnessing to Others, “And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, ‘All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Amen.'” (Matthew 28:18-20).

The Outcome: “…and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me” (John 17:23).

Was God pleased with His Son? Yes! Following Jesus’ baptism, God proclaimed His Divine satisfaction: “And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, ‘This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17).

Jesus was our role model. He never deviated from having the mindset to please God, His Father. Even in His agony in the Garden of Gethsemane, He prayed, “Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done” (Luke 22:42).

Do we have the desire to fulfill God’s will? Love = Obedience

For us to complete our earthly mission, our hearts must overflow with love for God which is demonstrated by having a thriving relationship with His Son, Jesus Christ, and also that we possess unconditional love for everyone [without exceptions].

Two things will determine our future outcome: “Did we have a relationship with Jesus Christ demonstrated by living a life of faithful obedience to the will of God?” and, “Did we complete our spiritual assignment by demonstrating the love of Christ when using our spiritual gifts to witness to others?”

Jesus’ gift of redemption to humanity was paid with His life. Certainly, we can understand that He desires for us to live with Him eternally.

“Father, I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory which You have given Me; for You loved Me before the foundation of the world.” (John 17:24)

For us to receive eternal life, we must be one with Christ. By diligently studying Jesus’ life, we learn who He is. To abide in His love is to dedicate ourselves to spending time in prayer and study of the Scriptures. Pray for the anointing of the Holy Spirit before studying the Bible. Meditate on the Word of God to receive the power to live righteously.

Love is the catalyst that produces a steadfast commitment to living consecrated lives for God. From a loving heart, the fruit of obedience flows like a stream, and without hesitation, our daily prayer is, “Not my will, but Your will be done in my life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”