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Jesus' Prayer
In the study of Philippians in the LifeGroup of our church (a home Bible Study) we this week focused on the second chapters’ first four verses. The writer, Paul had observed the church at Philippi was theologically sound, devoted, moral, loving, zealous, courageous, prayerful and generous. It did face the danger of discord usually generated by only a few people. It’s interesting to note the same thing is true today in our world. We experience conflict and discord not only in our world, country, state, county and city where we live but also in our churches.
So, it is not surprising at all that Paul shares in a concise and practical way the importance of unity in the body of Christ.
Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Philippians 2:1-4
Further study led me to the prayer of Jesus as recorded in John 17. Jesus prayed in three focused ways in this prayer.
- He prayed for Himself - vs. 1-5
- He prayed for His disciples - vs. 6-19
- He prayed for us (all believers) vs. 20-26
I’m praying not only for them
But also for those who will believe in me
Because of them and their witness about me.
The goal is for all of them to become one heart and mind--
Just as you, Father, are in me and I in you,
So they might be one heart and mind with us.
Notice the phrase, “those who will believe in me”, that’s you and me. And the “goal” as stated is for all of us to become one heart and mind.
THINK about it. Ponder these things. Consider how to be of one mind with Jesus.
That’s the take-away to the study in Philippians 2:1-4.
