We move to John 17:6-12 and Jesus praying to protect the Apostles.
6 “I have revealed you to those whom you gave me out of the world. They were yours; you gave them to me and they have obeyed your word. 7 Now they know that everything you have given me comes from you. 8 For I gave them the words you gave me and they accepted them. They knew with certainty that I came from you, and they believed that you sent me. 9 I pray for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given me, for they are yours. 10 All I have is yours, and all you have is mine. And glory has come to me through them. 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. 12 While I was with them, I protected them and kept them safe by that name you gave me. None has been lost except the one doomed to destruction so that Scripture would be fulfilled.
Questions for discussion:
- Jesus prayed for the Father to protect the Apostles. They were almost all martyred. Did the Father fail? Why or why not?
- Jesus referred to the one “doomed to destruction.” This statement obviously meant Judas Iscariot. Does this mean that Judas did not have a choice, but was destined to betray Jesus and suffer damnation?
- Do you take the time to pray for others who cannot return the favor?
Rick's thoughts:
1. Jesus prayed for the Father to protect the Apostles. They were almost all martyred. Did the Father fail? Why or why not?
Jesus predicted that the Apostles would suffer the same treatment as their teacher. "And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me." (Matthew 10:38). “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. 19 If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.” (John 15:18-19). But the protection Jesus is praying about is for their eternal soul against Satan.
2. Jesus referred to the one “doomed to destruction.” This statement obviously meant Judas Iscariot. Does this mean that Judas did not have a choice, but was destined to betray Jesus and suffer damnation?
Judas had the opportunity to not take the bread that Jesus offered to him. Afterwards, Satan entered him. “As soon as Judas took the bread, Satan entered into him. So Jesus told him, ‘What you are about to do, do quickly.’” (John 13:27). God knows the future and though we have choices, God knows which one we will make. Judas had a choice, like all of the other Apostles to not betray Jesus
3. Do you take the time to pray for others who cannot return the favor?
I believe to pray for others who you do not know, or cannot repay you is the calling for all Christians.