John 17:20
“Not for these only do I pray, but for those also who will believe in me through their word,”
What does John 17:20 mean?
Jesus is praying here not just for the disciples gathered with him, but for everyone who will eventually come to faith through their testimony. He's looking ahead to the ripple effect of their witness, recognizing that countless future believers would come to know him indirectly, through the faithfulness of those first followers sharing what they'd experienced. It's a beautiful reminder that he holds all of us in his heart, even those he hadn't yet met in his earthly lifetime, and that our faith is part of an enormous spiritual lineage stretching back through generations. When you're struggling or feeling small, this verse suggests you're not forgotten or overlooked by Jesus, simply because you weren't around during his ministry on earth.