More Than Just a Story - the Book of JohnНамуна

Have you ever had someone pray over you? Not just a quick little, “I’ll be praying for you,” but someone actually stopping, laying a hand on your shoulder, and speaking your name in prayer? There’s something powerful about knowing someone is going to God on your behalf.

That’s exactly what John does in John 17. Right before heading to the cross, He takes time to pray - not just for Himself, but for His disciples. For the people He had walked with, taught, and loved deeply. And ultimately, for us.

Jesus begins by acknowledging that His hour has come. This is the moment everything has been leading up to. The cross isn’t a surprise, and it isn’t a failure - it’s a part of the plan. Jesus is about to be glorified, but not in the way people expected. His glory comes through His sacrifice.

Then, He prays for His disciples, the ones who have followed Him. He doesn’t ask for them to be taken out of the world, but to be protected in it. He knows the challenges they’ll face, the opposition, and the struggles. Yet, He also knows they’ve been given the truth, and that truth will sustain them.

This is a reminder that Jesus sees us. He knows the weight we carry, the battles we face, and the doubts that creep in. Instead of leaving us to figure it out on our own, He goes before the Father and intercedes for us.

Jesus’ prayer in John 17 isn’t just for the disciples - it’s for you. He is still praying for you, still watching over you, still guiding you. When life feels overwhelming, when you don’t know what’s next, when you’re carrying more than you think you can handle - remember, Jesus has already prayed for you. He’s still at work.

How does knowing that Jesus prays for you change the way you approach challenges in life?
In what ways have you seen God’s protection and guidance in difficult seasons?
How can you live with confidence knowing that Jesus has already gone before you in prayer?