August 26, 2022 - John17-21

Jesus prayed for his disciples, and he prayed for us, also! “I pray not only for these, but also for those who believe in me . . .” (17:20). Now, that’s something to contemplate! That Jesus, two thousand years ago, prayed for me, for us! And that he continues to make intercession for us! I have prayed, this morning, for this one and that one, but to think that Jesus himself has prayed for me! I know I keep typing these exclamation points, but this thought is just incredible, that Jesus has and continues to pray for me!

Soon after, Pilate “delivered him over to them to be crucified. So they took Jesus, and he went out, bearing his own cross, to the place called The Place of a Skull, which in Aramaic is called Golgotha. There they crucified him” (19:16-18). Jesus prayed for us! And he died for us! “See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are” (1 John 3:1).

How deep the Father’s love for us

How vast beyond all measure

That He should give His only Son

To make a wretch His treasure

How great the pain of searing loss

The Father turns His face away

As wounds which mar the Chosen One

Bring many sons to glory. -- Stuart Townend (1995)