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Sermons

Jesus Prays for His Church and for the World

May 24, 2020 Speaker: Mike McDonald Series: I Have Seen the Lord

Topic: I Have Seen the Lord Passage: John 17:1–11

This past Thursday was the Feast of the Ascension on which we recognize the historical fact of Jesus’ return to the Father to begin his rule from heaven. Since that day until now, Jesus, our Great High Priest, has been advocating and praying for us to the Father (1 John 2:1, Hebrews 7:25, & Romans 8:34). It should bring you comfort to know that he is interceding on your behalf. 

Jesus prays for his church in the world.

It is instructive to know what specific things Jesus prays for his church. It should even change how we pray for ourselves and others.

Verse 6. He prays a gracious prayer declaring that his followers have kept the Father’s word. Of course, they had many deficiencies, but he acknowledges before the Father that they are committed to growing into the truth of his word.

Verse 9. He prays for the disciples as belonging to the Father. They had heard God’s voice and were following him as faith-filled people. The Father entrusted them to Jesus and he cared for them well. Their identity is found in belonging to the Lord.

Verse 10. Jesus prays that he is glorified in them. To glorify someone is to hold him up for honor and praise. Their witness has done this for Jesus and his ministry.

Verse 11. He prays for them as they must remain in the world. Being “IN the world but not OF the world” is difficult indeed and needs Jesus’ prayer support.    

Taking It Home: Spend time praying this week like Jesus does. Pray for the church and yourself to be strong in the four areas underlined above. By doing so, you can be certain that you are praying “in his name,” i.e. according to his will.