Title: Prayer of Christ
Contents
Subject: The Intercession of Christ
Bible text:
Acts 1: 15-26 Judas Iscariot the apostate.
John 17: 6-19 The Security of Knowing Christ's Prayer for Us
Acts 1: 15-26 Judas Iscariot the apostate.
18-20 Luke's Interpretation of Judas
Acts 1: 15-26
15-19 The loss of the apostle Judas.
20 Interpretation of events in the Bible in the light of tragedy.
21-26 The new apostle Matthias was chosen to replace Judas Iscariot.
We see in the text the story of (1) the meaning of Judas the traitor (2) the contrast established between Matthias and the apostle Judas (3) the time between Pentecost and the Ascension of Jesus.
First, Luke's interpretation of the traitor. Luke does not attempt to explain Judas' betrayal psychologically. His decision to betray Jesus has a developed character, not an action out of deep, real anger. His actions are seen on two levels. One, Judas' betrayal is a conflict between Satan and God. The evil that killed Jesus is in the place of Jesus' first passion event and Satan's entry into Judea. Another thing Luke tells us is that he went back to the place he had been called to be the apostle of Judah (Acts 1:25). These two levels of action are theological answers to Judas' betrayal or to the problem of evil. Judas, who could refuse because of money, was called as an apostle. Judas' betrayal is not simply the reason why he was in man because of Satan. God spreads guidance for the church, at least after the attitude of the traitor, including the actions of both Judas and Satan.
John 17: 6-19 The Security of Knowing Christ's Prayer for Us
Jesus' exclusive prayer is directed toward farewell, and at the center of the prayer reference is made to the prayer of the high priest as an intercessor of supplication.
Prayer is different from the category of syllogism. Logic is challenging because it makes assumptions. Prayer has three basic principles. (1) The disciples of Jesus know the word of God and that the Jesus whom God's people believe is from God and pray in the name of Jesus. So, we have a triangular relationship with God, Jesus, and the disciples who are God's people (2) The pattern of this relationship is changed because of Jesus and goes back to Heavenly Father. (3) The result of Jesus' return to heaven and separation from the earth is the same as God sent Jesus into the world. Thus, prayer has a basic relationship between God, Jesus, and believers, and reflects the actions and relationships of believers and the changes that come in time.
The essence of prayer implies contemplation for the proclamation related to the text. The content of this verse expresses concern for the disciples in action. Meditation should be the life of active believers. The prayer recognizes the active hand of God in the various places where the disciples continue to exist in the world, and the approval of the disciples to believers in the saving work of Jesus Christ. The prayer's main concern is the consciousness of the disciples' existence after Jesus' death and resurrection. What does the prayer tell us about the life of the disciples?
The prayer is clearly speaking boldly. We are related to Christ and God by the working will of God. The vocation of discipleship is in holiness (holy) origin, and we do not grieve with the responsibility of producing our vocation. More important is the gospel. As disciples, we have the privilege of knowing the truth of God in Jesus Christ, in which our faith is because of the work of God, just as we know the glory of Christ, the glory of God. God is implicitly interested in our commitment (investment) and deep holiness (holiness) in our faith.
So, the prayer of Jesus for the sacrifice of the priesthood (purification) of the faithful consists in being consecrated to God and in increasing the reverence of God. This growth overthrows the world as a result of God's work of re-learning the blessings of God's love made and known in Jesus Christ. Even in the midst of the difficulties of a hostile world, our safety is found in God's constant care and concern for us through Jesus Christ.
The prayer expects us to be free from danger or suffering, but does not promise unpredictable opposition. Jesus' prayer calls attention to the fact that because of unpredictable opposition and because of the reality of evil, we must live and believe in the name of Jesus. Jesus' sending believers into the world promises real persecution as God sends Jesus, but our safety is in God's power and God's love in Jesus.