Jesus continues his prayer for believers. Yesterday we read his prayer for himself and part of his prayer for believers. To read the full passage for today, click here: John 17:9-19.

Jesus was about to leave this world to join his Father God in heaven, but the believers were to remain behind. They had/have a job to do. Jesus didn’t leave us defenseless, however. Here are Jesus’ words as he prayed to the Father for us:

I have given them your word. And the world hates them because they do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. I’m not asking you to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one. They do not belong to this world any more than I do. Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth. Just as you sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world. And I give myself as a holy sacrifice for them so they can be made holy by your truth. –John 17:14-19 (NLT)

We have God’s Word to guide us. We have Jesus praying (interceding) for us as we face what life dishes out to us. And we also have the Holy Spirit living in us if we have asked Jesus to save us from our sins. See John 14:15-17. Jesus has also promised that he will return again. As crazy and upside down as this world is becoming, that day may be very soon.

Put your confidence in Jesus and learn from him, growing daily in holiness, so that you might shine on those around you who don’t know Christ. You may be the only Bible your friends will think about reading – a link to their future salvation.