What Jesus Prayed For

John 17 records the last magnificent prayer Jesus offered up to the Father before His death.  Our Lord prayed for His immediate disciples and all those who would come to believe in Him.  He did not pray that His people would have wealth, prosperity, or status.  He could have prayed for those things.  What Jesus did ask of the Father was that His followers be sanctified through the truth.  Why did our Lord specify this blessing? He knows what blessings are most needed by His people; He knows what will be the greatest benefit to us.   Only those who are sanctified can enjoy the full benefits of redemption.  To be sanctified is to be set apart and prepared for some holy use.  Only those who have experienced the powerful sanctifying work of God’s word will be prepared to faithfully serve Him in this world.