Jesus is Praying for You

Prayer and Planting Study Notes:

John 17:20-26closeJohn 17:20-26 20 “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, 21 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. 22 The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, 23 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. 24 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. 25 O righteous Father, even though the world does not know you, I know you, and these know that you have sent me. 26 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.” (ESV) closeJohn 17:20-26closeJohn 17:20-26 20 “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, 21 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. 22 The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, 23 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. 24 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. 25 O righteous Father, even though the world does not know you, I know you, and these know that you have sent me. 26 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.” (ESV) 20 “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, 21 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. 22 The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, 23 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. 24 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. 25 O righteous Father, even though the world does not know you, I know you, and these know that you have sent me. 26 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.” (ESV)
20 "My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21 that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22 I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: 23 I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.
24 "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.
25 "Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me. 26 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 17:20closeJohn 17:20 20 “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, (ESV) closeJohn 17:20closeJohn 17:20 20 “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, (ESV) 20 “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, (ESV) "My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message,"

Do you hear Jesus? He prays for you.  His personal attention and care for your well being is such that He takes the time to Pray for you.

Why does He bother with Prayer; when He could but say the Word and command that your every need be taken care of and immediately?

First of all, because His concern for you is so great that He wants to come to His Father personally for you; and this is what Jesus still does for you today (Romans 8:34closeRomans 8:34 34 Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. (ESV) closeRomans 8:34closeRomans 8:34 34 Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. (ESV) 34 Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. (ESV) ).

Secondly, because His Kingdom is not of this world; yes we Pray for His Kingdom to come and to be made known ; but this creation which has been corrupted by sin will soon pass away (Revelation 21:1closeRevelation 21:1 The New Heaven and the New Earth 21:1 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. (ESV) closeRevelation 21:1closeRevelation 21:1 The New Heaven and the New Earth 21:1 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. (ESV) The New Heaven and the New Earth 21:1 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. (ESV) ), and so we need God’s ever present help in these times (Psalm 23closePsalm 23 The Lord Is My Shepherd A Psalm of David. 23:1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
3 He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness
for his name's sake. 4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord
forever. (ESV) closePsalm 23closePsalm 23 The Lord Is My Shepherd A Psalm of David. 23:1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
3 He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness
for his name's sake. 4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord
forever. (ESV) The Lord Is My Shepherd A Psalm of David. 23:1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
3 He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness
for his name's sake. 4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord
forever. (ESV) ).

Third, because Jesus is humble; Jesus who is God, did not consider it beneath Himself, but took the form of a person in order that He would die for our sins- what humility. This same Jesus, humbles Himself before His Father and Prays asking the Father to bless us, when it is by His blood that we are even able to come to Heaven. Jesus’ Prayer life is one of humility, of concern for others before Himself.

What do you think Jesus is Praying about for you today? _____________________

Jesus prayed for Peter even though He knew that Peter would deny Him (Luke 22:31closeLuke 22:31 Jesus Foretells Peter's Denial 31 “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, (ESV) closeLuke 22:31closeLuke 22:31 Jesus Foretells Peter's Denial 31 “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, (ESV) Jesus Foretells Peter's Denial 31 “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, (ESV) ); what does this tell you about His love and commitment to you, today? _____________________

In what ways could you be more humble and Pray for others? _____________________

How important is Prayer for the planting of His church? _____________________

Jesus Prays for the salvation of the lost, reflect on this- _____________________

Jesus says the lost will come to faith, “… through their message…” and He prays for those who will be reached; the Prayer needs of new and future believers matter to Jesus. Reflect on this- _____________________

Who do you know that does come to worship regularly? ______________________

How can Prayer be a part of your ministry to these lost people you already know? _____________________

What is your Prayer for the Church? _____________________

What is your Prayer for your Pastor, who brings “the message”? _____________________

Jim Buckman