The Law of the Inner Circle Part 12

 When No One Sees-John 17:11-26

The majority of what we call Jesus’ “high priestly prayer” concerns His inner circle. At the end of His life, He felt acutely aware that the success of His work depended chiefly on the twelve disciples He had trained. Observe what He prayed for:

1. Their faith (vv. 11, 12)
2. Their fulfillment (v. 13)
3. Their future (vv. 14, 15)
4. Their faithfulness (vv. 16, 17)
5. Their fruitfulness (vv. 18-20)
6. Their fellowship ((vv. 21-23)
7. Their sense of family (vv. 24-26)

When Jesus knew He had twelve hours left to live, He didn’t start big campaigns. He didn’t try to change laws. He didn’t even do any more public ministry. He spent the time praying.

Prayer is a chief task of a leader (Acts 6:4). The leadership we provide which no one sees maybe more important than what we do in public. Followers think of leadership in terms of the visible. In reality, leadership is like an iceberg; most of it lies unseen.

A leader’s prayer tells you a lot about the leader. It reveals his or her commitment and concerns. Prayer keeps the leader focused. It keeps a leader dependent on God. It sustains the leader’s heart for people. If we are to lead people, we must pray for them.

Paul’s Team-1 Thessalonians 3:2-10

Paul found it difficult to send Timothy to Thessalonica; he would rather have returned himself. If he had, however, he might have been killed. The religious leaders remained on the lookout for him, ever since they ran him out of town. So, Paul sent one of his key players, Timothy, a member of Paul’s inner circle.

Paul’s potential multiplied because of individuals like Timothy. Timothy did just what Paul would have done had he been present:

1. Provide—He gave them strength and encouragement (v. 2).
2. Protect—He worked to rescue those who might fall away (v. 3).
3. Preserve—He fought to ensure their work had not been in vain (vv. 4, 5).
4. Promote—He motivated them and cheered them on to grow (vv. 6, 7).
5. Present—He reported to Paul how their faith had flourished (vv. 6-8).
6. Pray—He led the way in praying for what they still lacked (vv. 9, 10).

Join me next time for Leadership Qualities: Listening Part 1