Daily Devotional

Scripture: I am praying for them. I am not praying for the world but for those whom you have given me, for they are yours. (John 17:9)

We might say that Jesus’ emphasis here is the world in rebellion against God. In that sense, there is a strict distinction between those who have received Jesus and those who have rejected him. Jesus is going to his death shortly, and so that division is becoming increasingly clear. And that means that the pressure on the disciples will only grow from this point forward. So Jesus prays for them because they belong to the Father, and because of that they stand apart from the world.

Prayer: Father, hear our prayers because we have received Jesus whom you have sent. He is our Savior and our Lord. Grant us a fresh measure of the power and guidance of the Spirit so that we might follow all his commands and obey all of his words. And strengthen us, Lord, so that we might endure the trials of this life. Amen.