First of all, before we get to the passage, I would like to point out that Sunday is Mother’s Day. Go out and buy your Ma a card or a gift, and don’t forget to call her!
Concerning this passage, I love — absolutely love — this prayer by Jesus, and this part is my favorite for two reasons. First, this is the only place in the Bible where Jesus prays for us directly. Yep, that’s right — you and me — we’re right there when he prays “on behalf of those who will believe in me through their [the apostles’] word.” The second reason is in the very next phrase — “that they may all be one.” I just never can seem to get away from that prayer. It fills my mind, my sight, my imagination. Whenever I pray for the church, it always comes down to unity.
As you ponder these two pieces, please also notice how Jesus prays for us — like a friend, yes, but it’s more than that. This prayer is also a bit difficult when you try to think through the murky understanding we have of the Trinity. How is Jesus and the Father one? How could we be one in the same way? These are deep and important theological issues, but I’m afraid that might sidestep us away from the full impact of the prayer. Why don’t we look at things a bit differently?
Put it together with the holiday. Isn’t Jesus praying fervently just like a mother does for a child? Wanting the best for that child but not knowing exactly what that means, aching for the best for him/her, and hurting when he/she makes bad decisions, meditate with this image…
and with the words, “until all are one”…