“When Satan is tempting Christ is praying” Thomas Watson

It is extremely good for us to meditate on our Lord’s prayer. We can learn much of what the Good Shepherd desires for His sheep. Here, in John 17, we see the loving heart of the Son of man opened to our view. Often in this prayer the Teacher mentions something good about His beloved pupils such as our understanding of His origin from heaven (John 17:8) and how we keep His word (John 17:6).

The disciples, the night our Lord uttered the prayer in John 17, did and would do numerous sinful things. Sins such as boasting about being loyal to death, falling asleep three times when He asked them to watch and pray, deserting Him in Gethsemane, Peter’s denial three times. Yet the Beloved Master never mentions how they failed and would fail so often, He just refers to their good actions.

Such is His love for you when He represents you before your Father in heaven. His love hides all your transgressions from view. Take heart fallen one, His love is greater than your worst sin.

How often we must come to the Lord daily with repentant hearts confessing our sins. Never forget that the friend of sinners is always more willing to forgive than we are to repent.

Arise, my soul, arise,
shake off thy guilty fears.
The bleeding Sacrifice
in my behalf appears.
Before the throne my Surety stands,
my name is written on His hands.

He ever lives above,
for me to intercede;
His all-redeeming love,
His precious blood to plead,
His blood atoned for all our race,
and sprinkles now the throne of grace.

Five bleeding wounds He bears,
received on Calvary;
they pour effectual prayers,
they strongly plead for me.
"Forgive him, O, forgive," they cry,
"Nor let that ransomed sinner die!"

The Father hears Him pray,
His dear Anointed One;
He cannot turn away
the presence of His Son.
His Spirit answers to the blood,
and tells me I am born of God.

My God is reconciled,
His pard'ning voice I hear;
He owns me for a child,
I can no longer fear.
With confidence I now draw nigh,
and, "Father, Abba, Father," cry.

-Charles Wesley