There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. 1 John 4:18
On the evening before Jesus’ arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus demonstrated perfect love.
Over the past week I have read and reread chapter 17 in the gospel of John. After the last supper and after Jesus had explained to the disciples that he would be going away, Jesus prayed for them.
Even though Jesus knew that he would soon be arrested and crucified, he prayed. Jesus prayed to the Father for himself, the disciples and the believers that would come after the disciples.
But now I am coming to you, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have my joy fulfilled in themselves. I have given them your word . . . Sanctify them in the truth . . . I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one. John 17: 13-14, 17, 20-21 ESV
Jesus was preparing the disciples for difficult times and suffering. We are blessed to have this prayer recorded for us.
We live in a chaotic time with political divisions and corruption. It is difficult to discern truth. The pandemic has instilled fear in many people.
This prayer brings comfort and encouragement. Jesus prayed for the disciples and He continues to intercede for us. It is a message to let love, through our relationship with Jesus, replace fear and anxiety.
The prayer also instructs us to know God’s word.
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Prayer has the power to bring comfort and encouragement to one’s life. Thank you for sharing your links with us at #276 SSPS Linky. See you again next week.
Good encouragement – God’s love replaces fear in our hearts. Visiting from FMF#8 today
Yes, and I need that reminder.
Beautiful and so encouraging! Thank you for sharing. I am going to spend some time reading John 17 now.
Be blessed! I have enjoyed reading the gospel of John, the epistles of John and Revelation. The books enhance each other.
Jesus said, ‘Please watch with me!’,
but the dudes dozed on the grass,
and would His great temptation be
a sandal up each sleeper’s a**?
Sure would have been, had I been Him,
but it’s pretty good I’m not,
for it would be pretty grim
with all the baggage that I brought.
But Jesus got no suitcases
of real and imagined slights,
and so He gives the pure clear graces
underneath the ballpark lights
that shine so bright throughout the game
won by His lovely holy name.