“I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word,”– John 17:20
John 17:20 Meaning
This verse, taken from the New Testament, is part of a prayer that Jesus offers as He prepares for His crucifixion. In this particular line, Jesus gestures toward something profound – the future of the faith and the importance of unity among believers. When He speaks about not only praying for His immediate disciples but also for those who will believe through their message, we see His heart for a broader community of followers. This underscores the belief that the message of Jesus is one that transcends time and place, including future generations and people from various walks of life.
When we think about the implications of this prayer, it becomes clear that Jesus envisioned a world in which His followers would not just be a small group of disciples, but a vast community united by faith. This directly speaks to the inclusivity of Christianity, inviting anyone who hears the message of Christ to become part of the family of believers.
John 17:20 Commentary and Explanation
This prayer is known as the High Priestly Prayer. It encapsulates Jesus’s desire for unity and the growth of His followers. The request for believers who will come through the words of the apostles highlights the mission that they are about to carry forth. Jesus knew that His death would be the cornerstone of a new covenant and that the apostles would be key in spreading this message of hope and salvation.
The phrase “those who will believe in me” affirms that individuals can come to faith in Christ by hearing about Him, emphasizing the importance of sharing the gospel. There’s a sense of responsibility placed upon us – as believers to share and testify about our faith to others. The idea is that faith is not confined to the initial disciples but is meant to resonate through every generation thereafter.
When we reflect on this prayer in our lives, we find a challenge and a call to action. It invites us to embrace the legacy of faith that stretches back to Christ Himself. Every believer, including us today, stands as a testament to the fulfillment of that prayer, showing how far-reaching the grace of God can be.
The beauty of this scripture also lies in the desire for unity. As Jesus mentions “those who will believe,” it speaks to a community that should be unified, not divided. It’s a reminder that the message of Christ is inclusive, breaking barriers of race, culture, and background. We’re called to live out this unity, showing love to one another as exemplified by Christ.
Context of John 17:20
To better appreciate this verse, it’s vital to consider its context. This passage is nestled within what’s known as the Farewell Discourse (John 13-17). Jesus speaks to His disciples, guiding them through the final hours before His crucifixion. The overarching theme revolves around love, obedience, and community.
In John 17:20, Jesus’s prayer is not solely for those present with Him. By extending it to future believers, He emphasizes His vision for a community rooted in faith and connection among followers. Understanding this helps us grasp the significance of discipleship and the passing on of Jesus’s teachings. As believers, we exist not just for ourselves but as part of something capable of changing lives across generations.
This also correlates with the Great Commission found in Matthew 28:19-20, which instructs the disciples to go forth and make disciples of all nations. It highlights God’s plan for His teachings to spread, and this prayer acts as a beautiful anchor point that connects believers across the ages.
The concept of connection is also enhanced by other references throughout the New Testament, such as Ephesians 4:3, which speaks of maintaining the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. It reflects the nature of the body of Christ and how we are called to live in harmony.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of John 17:20
The first part, “I do not ask for these only,” indicates a transition from the immediate context of the disciples to a broader audience. Jesus transitions from praying specifically for His disciples whom He had with Him to praying for all future believers. This highlights the cascading effect of the apostolic witness.
Next, “but also for those who will believe in me” reveals the intentionality behind Jesus’s prayer. He actively seeks the well-being and faith of future generations. This shows us the heart of Jesus and His understanding of the necessity of ongoing belief.
The phrase “through their word” underscores the significance of testimony and communication of faith. It reveals how important it is for the message of Jesus to be shared verbally and lived out in action. It invites us to share our stories – to proclaim the gospel in our lives. This passing down of faith is a communal effort made by each generation.
Lessons From John 17:20
This verse teaches us several valuable lessons. First, we learn about the importance of prayer. Just as Jesus prayed for His followers, we are called to do the same for one another, and even for those who have not yet heard of Him. Our prayers hold power and purpose as they align us with God’s will for unity and love among believers.
Secondly, it emphasizes the concept of inclusion in faith. The good news is for everyone, everywhere. When we embrace this, we create spaces where all can feel welcomed into the family of faith. It reminds us that our faith journeys are interconnected. The prayers we offer should reflect this heart for others.
Finally, this passage challenges us to be active participants in sharing our faith. Just as the early disciples spread the message, we continue this importance in our daily lives. We should look for opportunities to share Christ’s love and compassion in tangible ways, just as He did.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, John 17:20 gives us a profound insight into Jesus’s heart for future generations and the unity of believers. It calls us to recognize the significance of our role in sharing the message of Christ as we connect with other believers. The prayer represents not just Jesus’s desire but also a mission for us — to spread the good news and embody the love that Christ exhibited. May we carry this prayer with us as we strive to be one in faith, continuously inviting others into this beautiful community of believers.
If you found this discussion insightful, consider exploring more topics such as John 17:19 or Bible verses about God punishing the wicked. There are many beautiful lessons we can learn from scripture.