Hi there, welcome to my blog! Today I want to share with you some thoughts on what John 17 says about reunion. You know, reunion is something that we all long for, especially in these times of separation and isolation. We miss our loved ones, our friends, our church family. We wonder when we will see them again, and how we will celebrate our reunion.
But did you know that reunion is also something that Jesus prayed for? In John 17, we have the record of his high priestly prayer, where he intercedes for himself, his disciples, and all believers. And one of the main themes of his prayer is reunion. Let me show you what I mean.
First, Jesus prays for his own reunion with the Father. He says in verse 5, "And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began." Jesus knew that he was about to face the cross, the ultimate separation from his Father. He knew that he would bear the sins of the world and endure the wrath of God. He knew that he would cry out, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (Matthew 27:46). But he also knew that after his death and resurrection, he would return to his Father's side. He would be reunited with the one who loved him from eternity. He would be restored to the glory that he shared with the Father before creation. He would be exalted above every name and receive the honor and praise of all creation. He would be reunited with his Father in heaven.
Second, Jesus prays for the reunion of his disciples with him. He says in verse 24, "Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world." Jesus knew that he was about to leave his disciples behind. He knew that they would be sorrowful and afraid. He knew that they would face persecution and hardship. He knew that they would be scattered and scattered again. But he also knew that he would not leave them alone. He would send them the Holy Spirit, the Comforter and Helper. He would prepare a place for them in his Father's house. He would come back for them and take them to himself. He would show them his glory and share his joy with them. He would be reunited with his disciples in heaven.
Third, Jesus prays for the reunion of all believers with him and the Father. He says in verse 21-23, "that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one— I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me." Jesus knew that he was about to create a new people, a new family, a new body. He knew that he would call people from every tribe and tongue and nation to believe in him and follow him. He knew that he would make them one with him and the Father by his Spirit. He knew that he would give them his glory and his love. But he also knew that they would not yet see him face to face. They would not yet experience the fullness of his presence and his peace. They would not yet enjoy the perfect harmony and fellowship of his kingdom. They would not yet be reunited with him and the Father in heaven.
But one day they will. One day we will. One day Jesus will come again in power and glory. One day he will gather his people from every corner of the earth. One day he will wipe away every tear from their eyes. One day he will welcome them into his eternal home. One day he will say to them, "Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world." (Matthew 25:34).
One day he will be reunited with all believers in heaven.
That's what John 17 says about reunion. And that's what we can look forward to as we wait for his return. So let us not lose heart or hope. Let us not grow weary or discouraged. Let us not forget or neglect our Savior's prayer for us. Let us hold on to his promises and his presence. Let us love one another as he has loved us. Let us live for his glory and his kingdom.
And let us pray with him: "Come, Lord Jesus!" (Revelation 22:20).
I'm so glad you joined me today for our Bible study on John 17. This is one of my favorite chapters in the whole Bible because it shows us how much Jesus loves us and prays for us. He prays for himself, for his disciples, and for all who will believe in him through their message. That includes you and me!
In this chapter, we see Jesus' heart for his Father and his people. He wants to glorify the Father by completing the work he was sent to do. He wants to protect and sanctify his disciples by the truth of his word. He wants to unite all believers in love and fellowship, just as he is one with the Father. And he wants us to see his glory and share in his joy.
What an amazing prayer! What an amazing Savior! I hope this chapter encourages you and inspires you to pray like Jesus. He cares for you and intercedes for you. He wants you to know him and love him. He wants you to be with him and see him.
Thank you for studying John 17 with me. I hope you have a blessed day!
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