Jesus was not merely concerned about the people that lived during his time. He was concerned about everyone everywhere whenever they lived. He said in John 17:20, “Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;”
Think about how marvelous these words are! Jesus looked to the future. He saw his disciples evangelizing. Then he saw through the ages for century after century their witness that eventually came to your heart. Because the disciples were faithful in spreading the word of salvation, you and I became an heir of their efforts.
The disciples in the first century Christians declared the words of Christ. Then those who heard the words shared them with other people. Then later those people shared their words with others. This went on and on and on until some great-grandfather told a grandson who told somebody else and that somebody else told you. Jesus prayed for you.
That means that Jesus actually prayed for you! That means he saw your suffering and pain and needs. That means, as he was aware the disciples would be persecuted and assassinated (except for John who had another mission to write the book of Revelation.) Whatever you are experiencing now, Jesus prayed for you in it. We are not alone in this journey of life.
Christian Writer 