Famous last words and final goodbyes can be precious and painful. A former fisherman from Galilee witnessed a long ‘last words’. Along with a small crowd, John had witnessed a remarkable life and power. He had heard captivating teaching and seen a person of total integrity. No one had ever discovered any faults. By now, John and the others had become convinced that their dear leader was God’s Son and a human being! Here amongst them was the fulfilment of the prophecies: Immanuel, God with us! You can imagine, how hope for their futures were all tied up with this incredible person. However, Jesus is now saying His lengthy ‘goodbye’, preparing them for his death and their life after he has gone.
As his disciples are gathered for a meal, Jesus, their leader, does the servant’s job and washes their dusty feet. This humble action teaches them about the principles of Christian leadership. As Jesus came into this world, not to be served, but to serve and to give his life to save others, so true Christian leadership is serving the best interests of others.
He lets them know that there will be persecution for Christians, but one day he will return to bring them home. There are ‘many rooms in my Father’s house!’ Until then, the Holy Spirit will come and enable them to experience peace, joy and power to love like Jesus. They will be given the courage to testify to what they know of him. It had been made very clear that he was going to lay down his life to suffer as a substitute. He was about to take the rap for the sins of those who trust in him. Now, with his closest friends, he was saying his long goodbye.
Finally, Jesus prays. It’s a personal prayer said aloud. There are three sections: ‘I’m coming home Father’ is the theme of the first part. Giving eternal life; enabling people to personally know God is the mission he is about to activate through his death and resurrection.
The second section is praying for his current disciples. Jesus prays for their unity and protection; for their joy and ongoing transformation in their lives: ‘sanctify them by the truth’.
In the third section Jesus prays for us – potentially for you! ‘I pray for those who believe in me through their word.’ Jesus is praying for future followers. As the first disciples preached, they passed on ‘their word’ about Jesus. New followers today are believing in Jesus through the ‘word’ of those original disciples! What did Jesus pray for those future followers? He prays for a clear unity with those first disciples, based on the same message and showing that same Christlike love. Jesus also expresses his longing that all his followers will be with him one day!
It is a beautiful and moving prayer. It includes you in its scope and hope. It invites you into the great hope that Jesus secured and now offers to all.
This article first appeared as a column in the Newark Advertiser in August 2025, and was written by Carl Meachem.