Jesus Prayed for You
- Lauren
- Feb 5
- 2 min read
“I ask not only on behalf of these, but also on behalf of those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one.” - John 17:20-21, emphasis added
Did you know that Jesus prayed for you? Yes, you, dear reader. He prayed for YOU.
In the gospel of John, chapter 17, we find a long passage that outlines Jesus speaking to the Father in prayer. This chapter is very unique, because nowhere else in the gospels do we find such a lengthy example of Jesus’ conversation in prayer with the Father. Other instances in the gospels document short prayers between Jesus and the Father or describe Jesus going out to the desert. In the gospel of John, Jesus’ prayer to the Father spans all of chapter 17, 26 verses in total.
In the prayer, Jesus expressed his gratitude to the Father, as well as acknowledged the approaching end of his mission on Earth. Jesus also asked for the Father’s protection. One statement that Jesus made in this prayer is very important to remember and warrants further reflection. Jesus said to the Father: “I ask not only on behalf of these, but also on behalf of those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one” (John 17:20-21, emphasis added).
Jesus prayed for the disciples, but also for all those who would believe in Jesus through the disciples’ words. That does not just mean those who the disciples converted 2000 years ago. This statement from Jesus refers to you!
Modern day Christians believe in Jesus because of the original disciples. Christianity likely would have died out if it weren’t for the faithful followers who passed down the teachings and traditions from generation to generation. When Jesus’ prayed for those who would believe in him through the disciples, he referred to future Christians after the disciples. And don’t forget the second part: “. . . that they may all be one”(17:21).
Jesus wanted unity. Jesus wants us to be united as Christians.
I invite you today to reach out to a fellow Christian. Catholic, Protestant, non-denominational, it doesn’t matter. Find something you can relate on. Pray together.
Jesus calls us to do so.
In Christ,
Lauren
All scripture quotations are from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) of the Bible
Did you like this reflection? Feel free to share it with a friend! Use the social media buttons down below to share this reflection. Have any thoughts you'd like to share? Or prayer requests? Use the contact box below and drop me a line!
