Read: John 17:1-17
Weekly Word with Pastor Mark for March 26,2025
Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LgfamotdZck&t=19s
Jesus prayed for you!
Jesus, who is seated at the right hand of Yahweh-God, represents you!
He is praying for you now!
You may ask, “Why would Jesus pray for me?” First, you must understand prayer. Prayer is a conversation between two individuals, one being God the other the listener, learner, or intercessor (making a request). In this case, Jesus is having a conversation with Abba (papa) Father. This is a perfectly normal, yet extraordinary, conversation between Father and Son.
Second, you must understand the purpose for which Jesus was sent. He was sent, by God, “to do the will of the Father.” The most powerful act in the universe is agreeing with what Father-God already wills.
What is God’s will for you; to enter into the same Union Father-God has with His Son, and the Holy Spirit. Jesus revealed Father God. Jesus said, I AM the Way (to have a relationship with God)! Our broken relationship with God (caused by sin) is restored when we receive Jesus as our personal Lord and Savior. We repent and return to Him, receiving God’s free gift of salvation. We receive eternal life through Jesus (Jn 17:2-3). We belong to God.
Jesus prayed for you to be united, one with each other as the Father, Son, and Spirit are one. United in love, purpose, and spirit. This is a deep oneness where we work together for the good of each individual and the whole. We all “do our part,” by being who we were created to be!
Jesus prays for you to be filled with Joy! This is not happiness the world gives, but a deep abiding joy, like a spring of living water the welling up inside you. This is joy only God can give; He has already given it to you. Jesus has given God’s Word to securing us in joy.
Jesus prays for you to be pure and holy. Cleansed of all sin, and set apart for His Glory, His purpose. Finally, these are the reasons Jesus intercedes for you. To cap all this off, Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to be our advocate, teaching and training us. Even when we don’t know what to pray, the Spirit speaks for us (Romans 8:26). Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to seal us in His love (Ephesians 1:13).
- Union: How are you coming into a deeper relationship with God and others?
- Joy: What is the difference between the joy Jesus gives and the happiness the world offers? Can you share a time when you experienced this deep joy?
3. Pure and Holy: Why is holiness important in the life of a believer? How does Jesus’ prayer for our
purity affect the way we live?