The Real Lord's Prayer - Pt. 1

His disciples said, “Ah, now you are speaking plainly and not using figurative speech! Now we know that you know all things and do not need anyone to question you; this is why we believe that you came from God.” Jesus answered them, “Do you now believe? Behold, the hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home, and will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone, for the Father is with me. I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:30-33 ESV).

 

Today we will begin to look at the seventeenth chapter of the Gospel of John. It is known as “The High Priestly Prayer.”  Our reading reflects that Jesus has turned from talking to the disciples to talking with His Father. He invites us to eavesdrop on His prayer so that we might know what He prays for us today. It is one of the longest recorded actual prayers of Jesus. In this beautiful chapter, Jesus prays for Himself (vv.1-5), He prays for His disciples (vv. 6-20), and He prays for His church (vv. 21-26).

 

Jesus essentially hands in His final report to the Father. He says, “I finished the work you gave me to do.” He’s done all that is necessary for us to be saved. The Gospel and salvation is never what God asks us to do to be saved, but instead it’s God telling us what He’s already done for us. While that is often difficult for us to accept, it is the clear message of the Scripture. I am often a bit surprised by others when presented with this truth. Typically some version of the response “If that’s true, then why should we do anything good?” It is almost as if we have been so convinced that we must do something to earn our redemption that we have come to believe that we cannot be motivated by the love of God for us.

 

We live a different belief when relating to our children and grandchildren. Is there really nothing you wouldn’t do for them? I know that it merely takes an off-handed comment for me to do everything in my power for mine. It doesn’t matter how “busy” I may be with my own interests, when one of my family merely mentions something they want or need, I will drop everything to see that I do what is necessary to get that for them. That is true because I love them for who they are, not what they do. God loves us like that. No wonder the disciples told Jesus, “Ah, now you are speaking plainly and not using figurative speech!” As we look at each of the sections of the prayer, we will see much more of how Jesus applies this love to us and his church. For the remainder of the week, read this chapter as your meditation each day. Find that one verse that is for you and let the Holy Spirit embed it into your memory.