John 17:11

Now I am no longer in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to You. Holy Father, keep through Your name those whom You have given Me, that they may be one as We are. (John 17:11)

Three points:

1. Leaving and staying

The Lord Jesus is about to leave this world. His ministry of teaching the masses is over. Judas is out doing his evil deed--collecting money to betray the Lord Jesus. While his ministry on earth is about over, the disciples' ministry is continuing. His prayer is for them and us. We still have to face the opposition of the world. Jesus cares about us. Earlier he had said the he loves us with the same kind of love that the Father had for him.

2. I come to you

I am coming to you, Father. There he is preparing a place for us and interceding for us. He prays for us. If the Lord Jesus himself prays for us, can we not also pray for others? Surely we can take a little time out to pray for others. When God had gotten angry over the constant rebellion of Israel, he determined to punish them with death, but Moses interceded for them. If he had not, more would have died. If we don't pray for others, they may stumble in the faith.

3. Keep them

Keep has the idea of watching over them, keeping his eye on them. We can see the deep care the Lord Jesus has for those who believe him and trust him--his followers. Though the storms of life assail us, remember that God is stilling watching over us. Jesus suffered many things; it should not seem unusual if we suffer also.