I realize that the entire Bible is the Word of God and that one of Christ’s names is “The Word”, describing the fact that he is the embodiment of God’s full revelation. But sometimes don’t you just wonder what Jesus thinks of you and how he prays for you? I do. In John 17, Jesus’ High Priestly Prayer is the answer to those questions. This Sunday we will see what Jesus prays for the Church as a whole and then next Sunday we will conclude Chapter 17 be seeing what Jesus prays for us individually.

What does Jesus pray for the Church? This prayer is offered just hours before Jesus would be arrested and face an unjust trial, followed by being cruelly tortured, then crucified. Jesus knows His time on earth with the disciples is drawing to a quick close and He is concerned about how they will continue in the mission of the Father without Him. In verses 6-19, Jesus beautifully articulates what He thinks of you (and you’re going to feel so good from knowing what He thinks), and what He asks the Father to do through His Church (and you’re going to be so encouraged by what He is asking us to do.) I hope you will join me this Sunday as we look at what Jesus prays for the church.