JESUS PRAYS AND INTERCEDES FOR US
Jesus told Peter that He had prayed for him. Knowing that it was the night before His trial and crucifixion, Jesus prayed for Peter. Knowing that Peter would deny Him three times in only a few hours, Jesus prayed for him. He told Peter this so that he wouldn’t become so discouraged as to give up. And also so that Peter would recover and “strengthen” his brothers.
What strikes me is that the night before Jesus is crucified, he is thinking and praying for Peter’s faith. He prayed that Peter’s faith would survive the shame of his own coming denial. People pray for that which they care most. Jesus prayed for Peter.
And Jesus still prays. He prays for us. He prays for you. Therefore no one can condemn us, even ourselves. For as the apostle Paul wrote, “Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us” (Rom. 8:34).
PRAYER: Dear Father, thank You for Jesus, the Lover of our souls. For He not only died for sins, was risen for our justification, but He lives to intercede for us. This love is beyond our understanding. Yet, we love Him back with the love You have given us. Now extend Your love through us to those in this world. Strengthen us that we might strengthen and encourage our brethren. In Jesus’ name, amen.