In John 17, right before Jesus was arrested, he prayed a heartfelt prayer to God. He knew his time on earth was almost over, so he talked to God about the things that mattered most to him. First, Jesus asked God to let people see who he really was, so that through him, everyone could understand what God is like. Jesus said that real, everlasting life is all about knowing God and believing in Jesus, the one God sent. He also talked about finishing the work he was sent to do and wanted to return to the special place he had with God before the world even started.
This prayer happened in a quiet, peaceful moment as Jesus and his friends were heading to the garden of Gethsemane. It’s the longest recorded prayer of Jesus in the Bible, and it was said during a very emotional and important time. Jesus had just spent time with his disciples, sharing his love and last wishes with them. Now, he was handing them over to God’s care, asking for their protection and blessing. This prayer shows how much Jesus cared for his followers—not just the ones with him, but everyone who would believe in him in the future, including us today.
Jesus also asked God to keep his disciples safe and united, just like he and God are united. He knew he was leaving, but he wanted his friends to stick together and support each other. Their unity would be a way for the world to see God’s love in action. Jesus didn’t ask for them to be taken out of the world, but for God to keep them safe from harm and to guide them with truth.
Finally, Jesus prayed for all the people who would come to believe in him later on. He wanted all his followers to be united—not because they are exactly the same, but because they work together with love and a shared purpose, just like Jesus and God do. This unity helps the world see that God’s love is real and that Jesus truly came from God.
After Jesus came back to life, he gave his followers a big mission called the Great Commission. He told them to go everywhere, teach others about him, baptize them, and help them live by his teachings. Jesus promised to always be with them, no matter what.
In simple terms, Jesus’ prayer reminds us that he wants all believers to be united and to share his love and message with others. When we work together and care for each other, we show the world who God is and keep carrying on the mission Jesus started.
For Christ’s church today, this means that we are called to pursue unity, love, and a shared purpose just as Jesus prayed for. Our relationships with one another should reflect God’s love, serving as a powerful testimony to the world around us. By living in harmony and supporting each other, we fulfill Jesus’ desire for his followers and become a living witness of his message, inviting others to experience the hope and transformation found in him.
Minister A Francine Green
March 2026
afrancinegreen.com 