In this section of our reading, I have always been drawn to Jesus’ prayer on pages 429-430. First, he prays that God would glorify him so that he could bring glory to God. To glorify means, “to honor with praise, admiration, or worship; extol.” Jesus had an excruciating time in front of him, yet he was obedient to God. He is looking forward to returning to the glory that was shared between Father and Son before the world began.

He then prays for the disciples that he had spent years with during his time on earth. His love for them comes out so clearly in his prayer for them. He says, “now protect them by the power of your name so that they will be united just as we were.” He prays that they would be kept safe from the evil one, and prays that God would, “make them holy by your truth, teach them your word, which is truth.” Only through the sacrifice Jesus was about to make, would these disciples be made holy. Jesus prays for their protection, unity as a family of God, and for their holiness, for them to be set apart, knowing, and obeying the Word of God. His complete love for them just leaps off the page.

Jesus even prayed for you and me that night, which moves me deeply. What did he pray for us? Unity. Unity with each other as believers of Christ Jesus, unity with God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The sharp contrast of unity against a world that is ever divided and fractured for so many different reasons will make us stand out. When we are united in Jesus, we show a different loyalty, obedience. Jesus prays, “may they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me.” Our unity, with each other and with Jesus, act as a testimony, a light in this dark world of God’s love. God’s love in us will be a beacon in this dark world. Thank you, Jesus!