John 17:18
As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world.
Scripture Insights
In this passage, Jesus prays for his disciples’ protection and unity, sending them into the world to fulfill the mission of the kingdom of God. Jesus not only sends them but also promises the empowerment of the Holy Spirit to fulfill the mission (see Acts 1:8).
The first followers of Jesus come from different professional and socioeco- nomic backgrounds. These men and women are not the best equipped or most qualified, but Jesus sees great potential in them for the advancement of the mission of the church.
These ordinary men and women do extraordinary things under the author- ity of the Master and under the power and direction of the Holy Spirit. They succeed in spreading the gospel everywhere, and they come to be a force that no religious or political structure can stop.
These men and women understand the principle of prayer for unity: “They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers” (Acts 1:14).
Today’s Prayer
Today, let us join Jesus’s prayer for his followers:
Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name, the name you gave me, so that they may be one as we are one. (John 17:11b)
Prayer Journal Reflections
Reflect on the mission of the church in Canada and the United States.
—Roberto Hodgson
Director, Multicultural Ministries
