Monday Musing: John 17:20 is all about me, and maybe you, too!
Years ago, I wrote articles for a national publication, sharing my thoughts about passages in scripture. Once, the editor sent me a response, saying that the passage I was quoting was directed to Jesus’ apostles, and not necessarily to everyone. My hackles went up, and my immediate response was to get defensive. Who was this man to tell me what to think, how to interpret scripture. Of course, he was a very respected and knowledgable minister of the Gospel, so I revised the wording of my devotional. I don’t recall exactly what I wrote that day, but this editor prompted me to study the scriptures more carefully, to be sure I was quoting them properly.
In today’s reading of the Gospel of John, I came across a verse that I have noted in the margin with one word followed by an exclamation point, Me!
The Seventeenth Chapter of John records some of the final words Jesus shared with His beloved disciples, and includes a heartfelt prayer for them and their continued mission after His death and resurrection. But in verse 20, his focus clearly shifts.
“Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word.” That’s me, and most likely you as well. Without the words recorded in the Bible, I would never have learned about Jesus, never believed.I believe because the disciples believed.
Jesus message is for all. His salvation is for all who believe. I am so grateful that John recorded Jesus’ prayer for me. May everything I do and say today reflect God’s glory for the good of others.
Leave a Reply