Scripture: John 17:6-19
SHOW NOTES:
Jesus delivered this powerful prayer on the evening before He was betrayed in the Garden of Gethsemane. Some believe He was in the Upper Room, while others think He was on the Southern Steps of the temple as they walked toward the garden. Jesus’ purpose and focus was to bring glory to His Heavenly Father.
In the second part of this prayer, Jesus expresses His concern for the disciples. This is the longest section of His prayer. He knows they will face intense spiritual battles. The disciples spent three years with Jesus during His earthly ministry. The disciples watched Jesus perform many miracles, and they listened to His powerful teachings.
Now I am coming to You. I told them many things while I was with them in this world so that they would be filled with My joy. I have given them Your word. And the world hates them because they do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. I’m not asking You to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one. They do not belong to this world any more than I do.
- John 17:13-16
Jesus came to earth with the message of God's love and forgiveness. He faced trials, danger, and death on the cross. The disciples would encounter many of the same challenges. Jesus did not ask the Father to remove them from danger or trials, but instead asked the Father to protect them from the evil one. Their mission was to proclaim the Good News to the whole world.
Song: He Will Hold Me Fast -
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