Your Priest Prays

John 17:6-8 “I have revealed you to those whom you gave me out of the world. They were yours; you gave them to me, and they have obeyed your word. 7 Now they know that everything you have given me comes from you. 8 For I gave them the words you gave me, and they accepted them. They knew with certainty that I came from you, and they believed that you sent me.”
 
AFTER Jesus has spent some time challenging his disciples to understand his truths, his prayer now acknowledges the faith forming in their hearts. Three important truths are in this passage.
   First, the disciples have come to know the Father through Jesus. Remember how Jesus has repeatedly taught he ministered in the Father’s words: John 12:49 “For I did not speak of my own accord, but the Father who sent me commanded me what to say and how to say it.” And he confirmed, “If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him." (John 14:7) He has spoken Heaven’s words as Heaven directed. The disciples have received the Father’s knowledge through Jesus’ practical application of God’s nature. Consider, Christian, that your knowledge of God originates in God. He has so loved you, he has come in the Word, the flesh and the Spirit to teach you of himself. When we know God, we know how to live in true faith every day.
   Second, in addition to knowledge, Jesus confirms the disciples’ faith originated with God’s choice. God’s authority is sovereign to move his creation, including any one person, in the way and purpose he desires. These disciples were in the world with all humanity. Then God brought them into a new place of faith. When Jesus had said, “Come, follow me.” he obeyed the Father’s eternal appointment on each man. As you have faith in God, know your faith originates with God. You are his creation. He has chosen you from among the world to believe in Jesus as God’s Son, Savior and Redeemer.
   The third truth here is the disciples know Jesus came from the Father. Yes, Jesus has certainly challenged them. But their faith is now secure as they believe Jesus is the Son of God, who has come from Heaven. Remember that John 17 is Jesus’ prayer for his disciples. We see him as the High Priest. The priests would offer sacrifices and prayers of praise, confession, and petition, so God’s people would atone for their sins know the Lord’s blessings. Jesus is the High Priest thanking the Father for choosing his closest disciples to know God.
   Jesus loves his disciples. He wants them safe with the Father. The same is true for you today. How do you respond to the one who so loves you? Here’s a good way: “Therefore, holy brothers, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, the apostle and high priest whom we confess.” (Hebrews 3:1) Yes, in all circumstances fix your eyes on Jesus. He knows and loves you.