(#1576) Day 22. We Are Spiritual Midwives (26/10/26)
Welcome to this Come to Jesus Daily Devotional (currently posted on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday) as we continue our 9-week series: Fresh Vision From Jesus' High Priestly Prayer from John 17.
This week, we continue our three-week focus on John 17:20-26, the third section of Jesus' High Priestly Prayer, where Jesus prays for us to effectively reach those outside of faith.
To watch this devotional, go to:
Please read John 17:20–26.
Many people enjoy programmes such as Call the Midwife. Whatever you think of the programme itself, there is something deeply moving about a child being born. New life is a miracle, and midwives have the privilege of helping to bring that new life safely into the world.
Today, as we reflect on Jesus' prayer, let's see that He calls each of us to be something like spiritual midwives. We cannot give spiritual life - that is God's work alone - but He graciously allows us to play a vital part as He brings people to new birth.
Jesus prays:
‘“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message…”’ (John 17:20)
Although salvation is the miracle of regeneration by the Holy Spirit, God has chosen to work through the prayers and witness of His people.
Notice that people come to faith through their message. The gospel is God's appointed means of bringing salvation. Paul writes:
‘For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.’ (Romans 1:16)
The gospel has power because it reveals God's answer to our greatest problem - our sin. It is also the message that the Holy Spirit delights to use to bring people to faith.
Like Jesus, we have been sent into the world with this life-giving message. Earlier in His prayer, Jesus says:
‘“As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world.”’ (John 17:18)
We have been sent. God's normal way of bringing people to salvation is through ordinary believers who faithfully live for Christ and lovingly speak about Him.
Paul emphasises the importance of our role:
‘For, ‘Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’ How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!’’ (Romans 10:13-15)
Jesus alone saves, yet He delights to involve us in His mission. We have the privilege of sharing the message through which the Holy Spirit brings people to new life.
Peter therefore urges us:
‘But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.’ (1 Peter 3:15)
May we be people who pray faithfully, speak courageously, and lovingly point others to Jesus, trusting God to do what only He can do.
Moment To Reflect
Jesus' prayer reveals gives us a vision of the vital role that our prayers play in sharing the message of the gospel.
Do you pray each day for opportunities to share the gospel?
Do you ask the Holy Spirit to give you wisdom, courage, and love as you speak about Jesus?
Who might God be inviting you to help take one step closer to Christ today?
Download the booklet
Below is the link to download the devotional booklet: Fresh Vision From Jesus Prayer. This is a series of 27 devotionals based upon Jesus' High Priestly Prayer in John 17.
This year we celebrate the 150th anniversary of the founding of CCP; to watch our anniversary video, please select the link below:
Community Group Study
1. Notices
It might be good to begin with notices. Please share from this week’s Church News.
2. Icebreaker
You might want to use the icebreaker: How has God been speaking to you from His Word recently, and how has this helped you?
3. Worship together
Let’s begin our time together by lifting our eyes and hearts to worship our great God. Perhaps you have readings and songs that you would like to use together. Let’s be open to the gifts that the Spirit wants to give in order to encourage one another.
4. Study and pray together
Balanced Time Allocation - Please ensure a balanced focus on discussion, SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite), and prayer so that each section is meaningful and fruitful.
On Sunday, we continued our series, Fresh Vision From Jesus’ Prayer, and continued our three-week focus on John 17:20-26, the second section of Jesus' High Priestly Prayer, where we will see that Jesus wants to lead us in reaching our community with the gospel.
Read John 17:20–26 together and discuss:
What particularly spoke to you, challenged you or inspired you from Sunday’s message?
Our message on Sunday was: Salvation Is A Miracle, And We Are To Co-Work With Him As Spiritual Midwives. In what ways can we co-work with God in seeking to bring people to Him?
Jesus prays, ‘I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message’ (John 17:20). If someone expressed an interest in Christianity, how would you briefly explain the gospel to them?
Prayer and sharing the gospel are both vital. Take a moment to identify and write down the names of the ‘people of peace’ in your life (see the note at the end for help identifying them). Then, commit to praying for them every day, asking God to open their hearts to the gospel and show you how you can love, serve and share Jesus with them.
SIV (Serve, Invest and Invite)
Have you had any recent opportunities to Serve, Invest in, or Invite someone toward Jesus? Let’s encourage one another by sharing testimonies of God at work through us.
Pray for the ‘people of peace’ in our lives (see note below), asking God to open their hearts and give us the Love and boldness to share His love as He opens opportunities.
In our prayers together, let’s pray for a few themes together:
Thanks for giving and provision during our recent Gift Days.
Continue praying for our upcoming New Ground Sunday on the 8th November - that it would be a great morning that inspires vision for our family of churches.
Pray for Little Lambs and Ruth who leads this team - may God give many opportunities to serve, invest and invite.
General Prayer: Let’s also pray for one another based on our study, and bringing before God any other needs or requests for prayer.
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