These words are the beginning of Jesus’ high priestly prayer—the last long prayer that He said with His disciples before His arrest in Gethsemane. He is looking back over His earthly mission—from His birth to His ministry, teaching, preaching, and healing. Now the hour has come for Him to die, as God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—planned long ago, to rescue the human race and bring us back in peace to God.
So now Jesus’ thoughts turn to the Father who sent Him, who will shortly welcome Him home after His death and resurrection. Because there is love there—not just Jesus’ love for us, but the love between the Father and Jesus. The plan to save us was conceived and born in the love of the whole Trinity, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. And now that love is about to triumph as Jesus brings us back to God, saved and set free forever.
WE PRAY: Lord, thank You for drawing me into the love that You have with the Father. Amen.
Reflection Questions:
* Why does Jesus think of His Father first, and not something or someone else?
* What words would you use to describe Jesus’ relationship to the Father?
* What difference does it make, knowing that the Father’s love sent Jesus out to save us?
Lenten Devotions were written by Dr. Kari Vo.