The Gospel of John: The High Priestly Prayer part 2 (John 17:11b-26

The Gospel of John: The High Priestly Prayer, part 2

John 17:11b-26

A Prayer of Protection (v. 11b–16)

•      Jesus focus His intimate conversation with His Father on His concern for His disciples well-being once He is gone

•      This includes their unity (v. 11b)

–     Which is conditional upon their continued connection with the Father

•      The time of Jesus’ direct protection is drawing to a close (v. 12-13)

–     Because He is returning to His Father

•      And they will have Jesus’ joy: Abiding in the Father’s love (15:11)

–     All have been kept, except Judas

•      But that was foretold (Ps. 41:10)

•      The danger they face is:

–     The world’s hatred

•      Because they have accepted Jesus’ word

•      And therefore are no longer of this world

–     The evil one: the Devil

•      Jesus’ prayer is not removal from danger

–     But rather perseverance through it

 

A Prayer of Sanctification (v. 17–19)

•      Jesus asks His Holy Father (v. 11b) to make His disciples holy, like Him

–     Set apart from the world

•      Which happens through their acceptance of and obedience to God’s word

•      They are made holy to continue Jesus’ work in the world

 

A Prayer for All Believers (v. 21-26)

•      Jesus prays for those who will believe because of the God’s ministry through these 11

–     That is us and all other Christians

•      His desire is for unity (v. 21)

–     Among Christians

–     And between us and God

–     Both of which testifies to the world the truth of who Jesus is

•      He asks that we reflect His glory

–     As He is at work in us through the Spirit

–     Loving like God loves

•      He petitions that we may with Him

–     Eternity in the presence of the glory of God

 

So What?

•      Jesus’ desire for us is:

–     To obey His word

–     To be united with Him and each other

–     To reflect His love and glory to the world

•      That same world that hates us for doing so

–     To live with Him eternally

•      Are we living out these desires?

 

Meditation Verse: John 17:21