The Real Lord's Prayer - Pt, 5

 

[Jesus said] “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me. Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world. O righteous Father, even though the world does not know you, I know you, and these know that you have sent me. I made known to them your name, and I will continue to make it known, that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them.” (John 17:20-26 ESV).

 

On his last night with the disciples, Jesus shares a meal with them, washes their feet, gives them a new commandment, and answers question after question concerning the fact that he is about to leave them (cf. John 13-16). After all that, Jesus begins to pray. Today we come to the end of that prayer. Jesus and the disciples have not yet traveled to the garden where Jesus will be met by Judas and betrayed. In John, when Jesus prays, the disciples are within earshot. Throughout the earlier part of the evening Jesus had given them as much information as he could about what was about to happen and how he would provide for them in the future. Now Jesus turns from offering information to them and begins to offer intercession for them. The great news is that He also prayed for us. When Jesus tells his Father that he is asking “not only on behalf of these, but also on behalf of those who will believe in me through their word” (v. 20), he is not exhorting the church to participate in evangelism. Likewise, as commendable as ecumenical partnerships are, when Jesus asks that those who believe and those who do not yet believe “may be one” (v. 21), he is not exhorting involvement in ecumenical dialogue. Jesus is not exhorting the church here. He is not instructing. He is not preaching, teaching, or rallying the troops. Jesus is praying!

 

Many have tried to interpret this chapter into a long “to-do list.” Perhaps the reason for this is that a list is easier to manage than such an experience as intimate as being the subject of Jesus’ prayer. If Jesus were exhorting his disciples, and by extension us, we could strive to meet his expectations. If he were exhorting us, we would have a mission. Instead, we overhear a prayer on our behalf and are not called to action in that moment as much as wonder that the Father and the Son spend their time discussing the likes of us and our little community of faith. This is the depth of His love for each of us. Dare we feel anything less for others in our divine family!