John 17:20
Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;
John 17:20 (KJV)
Context
This verse belongs to Jesus’ high priestly prayer in John 17, spoken to the Father just before His arrest and crucifixion. In the preceding verses, Jesus prays for His immediate disciples, asking for their protection, sanctification, and unity. Now He expands that prayer to include all who will believe in Him through the apostles’ message.
Meaning
Jesus explicitly prays not only for the apostles but also for every future believer. The phrase “these alone” refers to His immediate disciples, while “them also which shall believe on me through their word” points to all who would come to faith through the apostles’ testimony. This shows that Christ’s intercession reaches across every generation, and every Christian, however humble or unknown, was remembered by Him in prayer.
The phrase “through their word” highlights the importance of the apostles’ testimony and the spreading of the Gospel through verbal communication. Jesus entrusted His disciples with the message of salvation, and He prayed for the success of that message and the conversion of those who would hear it. Faith in Christ comes through the ministry of the word, and Jesus Himself prayed for that faith to take root in future believers.
Biblical connections
In John 17:21, Jesus reveals the purpose of this prayer: that all believers may be one, just as the Father is in Him and He is in the Father, so that the world may believe that the Father sent the Son. The unity of future believers is therefore a direct answer to Christ’s prayer and a testimony to the world.
Application
John 17:20 encourages believers to recognise their role in continuing Jesus’ mission by sharing the Gospel and making disciples. It reminds us of the unity we share with other believers and calls us to work together to spread the message of salvation. We should pray for fellow believers and be intentional in our efforts to reach those who have not yet heard the good news of Jesus Christ.
Remember that this verse is part of a larger passage where Jesus prays for His disciples’ protection, sanctification, and unity. Studying the entire chapter of John 17 will provide a richer understanding of Jesus’ prayer and its implications for believers.
Reflection
Jesus prayed for you personally, long before you were born. His prayer for future believers demonstrates His deep love and care for each individual who would place their faith in Him. This truth should fill us with assurance and gratitude, knowing that we are included in the High Priest’s intercession.
