Getting Real with God

Read John 17:20-18:11

"Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world." John 17:24

Prayed For, Protected, and United in Christ

On the night before the cross, Jesus prays – not only for His disciples, but for all who would believe through their message and be granted eternal life.  That includes us.  Before the pain, betrayal, and suffering begin, Jesus lifts His eyes to the Father and speaks our names into eternity.  We’re not an afterthought in God’s plan; we’re the very reason Jesus came.

Jesus’ prayer centres on unity.  He asks that believers would be one, just as He and the Father are one.  This unity is not shallow agreement or sameness, but a shared life in God Himself – “I in them and you in me.” (Jn 17:23)  The purpose of this unity is mission: that the world may know Jesus was sent by the Father and that God truly loves His people and is restoring them into relationship with Himself.  Our love for one another becomes a living testimony to the truth of the gospel.

Jesus also prays for our future.  His desire is that we will one day be with Him and see His glory – the glory He shared with the Father before creation.  In a world marked by division, loneliness, and uncertainty, this promise anchors us.  Our story does not end in struggle, but in seeing and savouring the glory of Christ.

Then Jesus moves from prayer to action.  Knowing exactly what awaits Him, He walks into the garden and meets those who come to arrest Him.  When He declares, “I Am He,” (Jn 18:5) the soldiers fall back.  By saying “I Am He”, He’s revealing who He is.  The name God revealed Himself to Moses with was “I Am’.  Jesus declares here that “I Am”, and humans fall in His divine presence!  Even here, Jesus is in control.  He willingly gives Himself up, while protecting His disciples: “Let these men go.” (Jn 18:8)  His love covers them completely.

Peter reacts with a sword, but Jesus stops him.  Jesus’ kingdom will not advance through violence, but through obedience and sacrifice and by the Spirit working through the gospel preached.  Jesus chooses the cup the Father has given Him – all for our redemption.

Ponder this today: Jesus has prayed for you, still holds you, and calls you to live in His love.  You belong to Him, and He will not lose you.  Jesus’ chief goal for us is that we know Him, behold His glory and fellowship with Him forever!  Remarkable grace shown to saved sinners.

Ian