Seventh Sunday of Easter: Gospel, John 17:20-26                     

John 17:20-26

The seventeenth chapter of John’s gospel has long been tagged as Christ’s “High Priestly Prayer.” It is a wide open view into the Savior’s heart and mind on the eve of His death by crucifixion. From years of hospice chaplaincy I would concur that the words spoken just prior to someone’s death are usually treasures to which loved ones hold. We were not there. We were not close neither in proximity nor in time. But we have these treasures in the written text of the Holy Scriptures.

Just a brief comment in hopes that you will not only peruse this gospel text which formally closes the Easter season, but the entirety of the chapter. Jesus in his prayer references those for whom He is praying and specifically denotes a group outside His prayer. Those around him, who have seen and heard and have believed through the Spirit are His first “target.” In verse 10 He then specifically tells His Father that His prayers are not for the world, meaning the corrupt world system and those held in its sway. Jesus loves the lost greatly, but this prayer is not for them. 

Then in verse 20, the verse that opens our reading, Jesus opens wide the door to include “those who will believe in me through their (the apostles) word.” We have a place here in this prayer. You and I, if indeed we have tasted that the Lord is good and have responded with God-given repentance and faith. Jesus knew of us, loved us and prayed for us in His earthly appointment. He prays for us that we, in His body, would have perfect unity, a unity grounded in the very oneness of the Holy Trinity. Jesus loves His church and He loves it “together.”

May we read and ponder this prayer, love our brothers, and remember that past, present and future, our Lord prays with us in mind.