Our scripture this week is John 17:1-11.
All I have is yours, and all you have is mine. And glory has come to me through them. I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name, the name you gave me, so that they may be one as we are one.
John 17:10-11
Jesus speaks of so close a relationship with God that “all I have is Yours and all You have is mine” (v. 10). He is connected to the Father and returning to Him, but still He prays for those He leaves behind to be protected. Even in His final hours, Jesus shows love and concern for His followers.
He prays that we may all be one with God and each other, just as He has. More than anything He has taught, loving God and one another is most important. This connection protects and nourishes our faith, enabling us to continue the ministry of love Jesus leaves to us.
In this action, Jesus both intercedes on our behalf and shows us the best way to remain connected – through prayer. He calls us to the same relationship He has with God, one of trust and obedience. God is constant in His love and care for us, wanting us to turn to Him in every situation, and to know the joy Jesus felt in that eternal connection.
Gracious God, we are amazed by the love You send us, and that You ask us to share it with the world. Help us to be Your representatives in the world, continuing the work Jesus began. Amen.