And now I will no longer be in the world, but they are in the world, while I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one just as we are. John 17:11 NABRE
Jesus continues praying to the Father making a request concerning His disciples. There will be hatred and opposition for Jesus’ disciples and He asks the Father to keep them in His name. To be in the name of the Father is to be protected, as Jesus protected them while He was with them by keeping them in the name of the Father. God tells Moses His name is “I AM” (Exodus 3:14.) God is all there is, He is being that encompasses all being, He is self-sufficient, self-sustaining, He was, is, and will be eternally. Jesus puts His disciples under the name “I AM.” They will be safe form all evil, hatred and division. Jesus mentions unity specifically, that they might be one. With God’s protection, life in “I AM,” no external force destroys the disciples or Jesus’ message. However, division from within can topple any movement. Jesus in His final prayer is not interested in doctrine, real presence or symbolic, etc., but unity is important to Him. Jesus often mentions the communion between Father and Son, their Oneness, a communion the disciples are offered to join.
Christians are diverse people and sometimes we pray differently from one another, some people even pray the rosary while others deny its usefulness. Jesus is ok with prayers and ritual that deepen our belief while He knows being united is very important. Accept and trust one another, if someone is praying in Jesus name, support and pray with them, no matter their specific beliefs. As Jesus said, “For whoever is not against us is for us.” (Mark 9:40)
Are you open to all Christian prayer? Do you pray with others who pray in Jesus name though may be from a different Church?
Accept and trust one another, if someone is praying in Jesus name, support and pray with them, no matter their specific beliefs. As Jesus said, 'For whoever is not against us is for us.' (Mark 9:40) Click To Tweet#bible #godisgreat #jesus #christianity #dailybibleverse @youversion #BeAnEncourager #name/a> #unity #John #everybodyalways #god #jesuschrist #jesussaves #godisgood #dailydevotion #biblestudy #scripture #bibleverse #verseoftheday #cross #last #Matthew #loveeachother #godisgreat #thisVineyard #youversion #everythingalways