John
17:20-26— In the gospel Jesus
prays for those He will leave on earth to further His work. Consider the
situation: the church is deserted by her leader; the disciples are on their own
in a hostile world with an impossible task to win the world. Jesus apparently
realizes the disciples’ need for help. What Jesus prays for indicates what
Christians today need. It is important to note that in vs. 20; Jesus says He
prays for the Christians of the future, for you today. What do we Christians
need: better church programs? More money to finance church programs? More
wisdom? More members? Jesus prays for us to be one in God, for us to be one
with each other and for us to be one with the Savior in heaven.
The Savior goes to the Father praying for you. “May they be brought to complete unity to let
the world know You sent me and have loved them.”
Jesus’ prayer for you is a request for you to be with Him in
glory. He prays, “I want those you’ve
given to me to be with me where I am and see my glory.”
Jesus’ prayer for you is a request to know the Father’s
love. Jesus prays to the Father; “I will
make You known to them and continue to make you known in order that the love
You have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them.”
In the midst of his busy ministry his healing, preaching
teaching and serving Jesus took the time to pray for you! His prayer is
answered in your hearing His word. May you continue to draw close to Christ as
you grow in unity of faith, in knowing God, in being received into His glory.
Collect for Easter 7 - O King of glory, Lord of hosts, uplifted in
triumph far above all heavens, leave us not without consolation but send us the
Spirit of truth whom You promised from the Father; for You live and reign with
Him and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. [2] – 27 May,
2022
[1]
The Resurrection of our Lord Schnorr von Carolsfeld,
woodcuts © WELS Permission to use these copyrighted items is limited to
personal and congregational use.
[2] Collect for Easter 7, Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis
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