7th Sunday of Easter

John 17:1–11

Jesus is praying for the church.

Three times in these eleven verses Jesus speaks of His followers as

those the Father has given to Jesus. He knows that His death by

crucifixion is just hours away. He knows that after His resurrection

and ascension He will be in the world through His Church – by

forgiving her – by leading her in the truth. Through His Church alone, the Gospel will be

in the world, offering life and salvation to a world sitting in the darkness of death. He

knows that Satan will seek to devour them. He knows that they will be insulted for the

Name of Christ and go through fiery trials. Therefore, for their sake and for the sake of

the world, He prays for them whom the Father has given Him.