READING: John 16-18
While evidences of demons (e.g., exorcisms) aren’t prominent in the Gospel of John, Satan was the ever-present enemy seeking to devour the Son of God and His followers. He was the “prince of this world” who would be condemned (John 16:11), but he was nevertheless always lurking in the story.
It’s no wonder, then, that Jesus prayed this prayer for His followers in his high priestly prayer of John 17: “I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one” (John 17:15). In fact, He had previously prayed the same kind of prayer: “Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name” (John 17:11). Serving Christ in the world would apparently be battle-filled for Christ’s followers, but Jesus the Intercessor asked the Father to protect them.
That protection did not mean they would never face the battle. The enemy would sift all the disciples, seeking to get them to turn from their Master. He would delight when all would run, at least for a little while. Jesus’ followers would face persecution that, for some, would end in their death. All the while, though, the prayer of Jesus would guard them; no one would be lost “except the one doomed to destruction” (John 17:12) even as Jesus sent them into the world to represent Him.
Jesus prayed not only for His disciples, but also for those who would believe through their work. He knew the enemy could not stop the work of His immediate followers; God’s plan would succeed. Indeed, you and I are part of that plan, and Jesus so loves us that He desires to commune with us forever: “Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory” (John 17:24).
Don’t miss the magnitude of that last request: the Son of God wants us to be with Him. That desire will be fulfilled because the Father hears the prayers of His Son and protects His children from the evil one.
So, I repeat this truth again: Satan is real, but he will not win in your life. The prayer of Jesus guarantees that truth.
ACTION STEPS:
- Read again the prayer of Jesus in John 17. Focus on what Jesus requested for His followers.
- Every time the enemy attacks you today, remember this statement: Jesus prayed that Satan would not win in your life.
PRAYER: “God, thank You for protecting me through the power of Your name. Help me to remember that truth, no matter what I face today.”
TOMORROW’S READING: John 19-21
