O righteous Father, the world doesn’t know you, but I do; and these disciples know you sent me. I have revealed you to them, and I will continue to do so. Then your love for me will be in them, and I will be in them. (John 17:25-26)

Read: Acts 8:1 – 9:43

Relate: Over the past couple weeks we have digged deep into this final public prayer of Jesus. We’ve explored it from the perspective of fatherhood, belonging, freedom, and completion. We looked at things Jesus prayed for like unity glory giving and security. The last thing I want to notice is how it doesn’t really end. It is almost as though chapter seventeen should not end with a period but rather an ellipsis.

This is Jesus’ last public prayer and He doesn’t really bring it to a conclusion so much as He walks on and then dives into a time of more private prayer. They cross the Kidron Valley and head up the mount of olives where Jesus sets Himself a bit apart and continues to pray. The fact is, Jesus very life was one of intercession.
Jesus was born, for us.
He lived, for us.
He died, for us.
He rose again, for us.
And He is now in heaven continuing to intercede…
for us.

React: There is no end to the measure of God’s love. There is no limit to what He has done and is willing to do that we might be in relationship with Him. Jesus bowed in prayer, walked out a prayer, stretched out His arms as a prayer, and continues to live a life in prayer, in intercession for us. It is mind boggling. It is almost… unbelievable. I know me. I know how unworthy, how undeserving I am of His continuing love and intercession. I have failed Him time and time again. Yes He continues to love me. He continues to love you. To love us.

Respond: 

God, I am so grateful for Your love. I am so thankful that You walked out, that You fleshed out a prayer of intercession from the cradle through the cross and into the kingdom. I am so undeserving. I will never truly know why You have chosen to love me. Why You have chosen to invest so much of Your time, Your intercession, Your patience, grace, and love on me. All I can do is be grateful. All I can do is surrender this puny, mortal life to You in return. All I can do is cast those undeserved crowns that You have bestowed on me back at Your feet. All I have is Yours. All that I am will continue, for eternity, to be Yours.