We conclude the study of the final prayer the Lord prayed for His Disciples before His arrest, and false trail, and crucifixion. As we see His words, we see that what He wanted was for those who believed in Him to be able to experience what He had, and was, in Heaven. He wanted the same glory, and Love for them the Father had given Him even before they ‘teamed’ to show the world their unmerited Love. John records the words Jesus prayed; He said:
“Father, I want those You have given Me to be with Me where I am, and to see My glory, the glory You have given Me because You have loved Me before the creation of the world.
Righteous Father, though the world does not know You, I know You, and they know that You have sent Me. I have made You known to them, and will 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.” John 17: 24-26
Jesus always wants the best for us. He wants to tell us about His Love, and the Father’s Love to bring us peace and happiness. This is why He came to earth. This is why He has inspired those whom He has called to write down the Gospel. The Good News of where man is today because of His Love for them if they choose to believe, and receive it. He came to personally tell us the Good News He had sent His Prophets to tell. But more than just telling us, He came to ‘show us’ His love. He knew what lay ahead for Him to do that. He knew He was about to give His life for us as He prayed that prayer. It was not that He wanted to, but He knew it had to be done. In order for the new Covenant of grace to be sealed, it would have to be sealed in His blood. “For without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness.” (Hebrews 9:22) He would later pray that night, “Lord if there be any other way, let this cup pass from Me.” He was in such deep pain, and anguish over it, He knew He would later pray and His sweat would become like drops of blood. (Luke 22:40-44) Still, His prayer before He went to face all of that, was to pray for His Disciples that they may be filled with the same glory Father had bestowed upon Him. He wanted them to be with Him, and the Father, in Spirit here on earth, and in every way when they all got to Heaven. This is exactly what He wants for each of us. He said,
“Father, I want those You have given Me to be with Me where I am, and to see My glory, the glory You have given Me because You loved Me before the creation of the world.”
Jesus was willing to leave that place of glory for us. He did it because of His Love for us, and because of His desire to please the Father who wanted His children freed from sin, and home with Him. Obviously He and Abba Father discussed the fact He would be coming back to Glory after the battle had been won. The battle would be horrible, and only He among men could win it – but He did..
So it is for us. Only Jesus can win the battle we fight every day. Only He can step up, and bring us to glory in Him. Our part is to ask Him to take the lead, listen to what He is putting into our mind and heart, and follow His words. Let us rest assured that Jesus is with those of us who believe, and trust in Him. He will show us His glory as He leads us to victory. He knows the battle for us is sometimes tough, but He knows if we will allow Him to He will lead us to victory ultimately. It may not look like it, but neither did the cross. The outcome was a return to glory for Him. So it will be for us. 