Wednesday 15 May 2013

Background: Covered by prayer

Chapter 17 of John's Gospel is often referred to as the prayerof our Lord. It reveals more of the compassion that Jesus had forhis disciples and the commission he knew that were called tofulfil. Today's passage gives the opportunity to listen in toa Jesus' prayer which reads more like a heart-warmingand soul-strengthening conversation.

Jesus is aware of what each disciple had been called from andwhat they had become while they were with him. He knew theirstrengths and weakness, their chequered histories and theirhope-filled futures. He understood them and the world in which theylived, and his prayer for their protection and preservation reflectthat.

If any of the disciples were eavesdropping, they would haveheard Jesus pray for them not to be taken out of the world, but tobe kept from the evil of it as they went about in it. Jesus didn'tmention any names, and perhaps didn't need to, because even thoughhe of all people know them in their uniqueness and diversity, healso seemed to recognise that their need for protection andpreservation were the same. That said, the deep sense of commitmentto them as individuals and his love for them is evident in phraseslike "I guarded them and not one of them is lost except the onedestined to be lost" (v. 12).

These nine verses are not Jesus' last will and testament, northe most popular life cover of its kind at that time. This part ofJesus' prayer comprehensively covers all the disciples for thewhole of their lives, and beyond. It demonstrates the depth andbreadth of the love of God for humanity, and in particular forthose who follow him.

To Ponder

• What does this segment of Jesus' prayer demonstrate toyou?

• Which part of this prayer speaks to you today?

• How will you pray for other people who are following Jesus, andthose who are not?