The Last Week 7: Jesus Prayed
John 17:24
Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world.
We have journeyed through the last week of Jesus, and we have finally come to an end.
We have looked at how Jesus spent time with others, served in the lowest positions, shared a meal with His disciples, and more. Now, we will see that Jesus prayed in His final moments.
What words would you say to your friends and family if you knew you would not get to speak to them for a while?
Upon research, the most commonly used word for an inmate on death row before they die is "Love." "Used by 63% of all speakers, "love" is the most common word in death row inmates' last statements. At 689 total instances, that works out to an average of 1.7 times per inmate. Other words that insinuate affection — "heart" (14%), "care" (11%), "loved" (10%) — also rank high on this list." (Priceonomics)
What did Jesus say in His final moments before He was to be taken away for trial and His death? John 17 gives us some insight into what was on Jesus' mind.
First, Jesus prayed for the ability to finish God's work that He was called to do. John 17:4 says, "I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do." Jesus knew what He was called to do, and He was called to finish the work.
Second, Jesus prayed for the disciples and future believers. He had you and me in His mind moments before His unfair trial, and brutal death began. Read Jesus' words in John 17:11, "I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name, the name you gave me, so that they may be one as we are one."
How selfless could Jesus be? He knew what was coming yet chose to focus His attention not on Himself but on the Father's Will and His children's protection. Most death row prisoners speak of love before they die. Jesus showed He loves us because He chose to direct His attention on our protection rather than His death.
This is the love Jesus has for us. He lived His last week on earth before the cross in service in humility. He lived His last week on earth before the cross with us in mind. Today, He sits in Heaven at the right hand of God, still loving and protecting you. You are still on His mind.
Sources
NIV Application Study Bible
"What Death Row Inmates Say in Their Last Words." https://priceonomics.com/what-death-row-inmates-say-in-their-last-words/