On Mothers' Day 2013 - May 12th, we're studying John 17:20-26. It is the final section of Jesus' high priestly prayer. What a powerful way to end his teaching time on earth. Jesus has just finished the last supper with his disciples. He modeled servant leadership by washing their feet and he is now praying for himself, his disciples and for all those who will be touched by their teaching. In fact, Jesus is modeling his prayerful life as he begins the transition back to glory with his Father and he is continuing to pray for all of us even right now. [do you feel it?]
Jesus is praying repeatedly that we would be one, just as he and the Father are one. And, I believe that as we strive to be more and more like Jesus, we move closer to being one. I love the fact that Jesus is praying for those whom the Father gives him. Even Jesus does not choose who will follow, but only the Father. For me, that makes sense, as I have a strong belief in the sovereignty of God. (See Romans 9 for a look at this)
I wrestle with our responsibility as a result of this prayer. Is our task to strive harder or just believe harder that Jesus did the work and as long as we believe it, we're moving closer to God?
Maybe our work is two fold. Believe is the first piece and then respond in love to one another is the second piece. And, then in that response, others will know that God is real and that He sent His one and only Son to draw us to Him!
I'm also struck by the fact that as Jesus prays for all those who are touched by "his disciples'' teaching, that this includes each generation of parents and teachers. We all have a role in teaching others what we've learned in terms of God's love, forgiveness, and sacrifice.
So, Lord Jesus, pray for us that we "get it," that we are bold enough to pass along our hope and faith that was instilled in us by our moms, dads, and relatives.
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