Jesus is now in heaven with his heart open in love towards his Father. Nevertheless, his heart remains open in love towards us. For in the presence of his Father he constantly prays for us (Romans 8: 34). What sort of things does he ask for? Jesus’ prayer (John 17) gives us some idea.

He says, Father, these people belong to us. However, they are still in the world that is dark and hostile. With this in mind, he asks his Father to protect his friends from the evil one and to make his joy complete in them. He goes on to ask that his Father may sanctify his friends in the truth.

Jesus also asks that all of us may be deeply one. “Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.”

However, he also says, “Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world.” Jesus simply wants us to be with him where he is with his Father. Jesus finds great joy in each one of us. And what he wants is for us simply to be with him where he is. He wants us to share with us all he has in his Father’s presence.