What Jesus Did! 'The Great Protector' — John 17:12

Thursday, October 27, 2022

[Jesus continued his prayer:] "During my time here, I protected [my disciples] by the power of the name you gave me. I guarded them so that not one was lost, except the one headed for destruction, as the Scriptures foretold."
— John 17:12 NLT

Key Thought

Jesus came to save, to bless, to redeem, and to protect. A primary focus of Jesus' last moments with his disciples was protection. He wanted to protect them spiritually from discouragement, so he told them about what was going to happen to him and promised to send the Holy Spirit as the Comforter and Counselor to help them. He wanted to protect them physically, so he took control of his own arrest [1] and made sure that his disciples were not involved with the torturous night and day that followed. All of this meant that he had to bear his impending death, his mockery of a trial, and his agonizing trip to the cross alone. Why did he do it this way? Because of his love for his own and his desire to protect them. And that, dear friend, is how he cares for you, too!

[1] John 18.

Today's Prayer

Father, even in my struggles, please help me find Jesus. I know he is there, comforting me and strengthening me through the Holy Spirit and joining me when I meet with other Christians. Please give me courage that does not flag in the face of opposition, ridicule, or pain. Help me see my Lord Jesus and never doubt his desire to bring me safely home to you. I pray this in his name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • John 18:3-9
  • Luke 13:34
  • Romans 8:35-39

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Illustration

Illustration of John 17:12 NLT — "During my time here, I protected [my disciples] by the power of the name you gave me. I guarded them so that not one was lost, except the one headed for destruction, as the Scriptures foretold."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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