◄ John 17 ►
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Summary Prayers for the Son, Disciples, and Believers John 17 is a profound display of Jesus' love and concern for His followers. His prayer provides encouragement for believers, both in the unity He desires for us and in His intercession on our behalf. Through Jesus' words, we gain insights into the divine relationship between the Father and the Son and the purpose of Jesus' mission on earth. The High Priestly Prayer leaves us with an invitation to deeper unity, faith, and love in our journey with Christ. Verses 1-5: Jesus Prays for Himself Jesus opens His prayer by acknowledging His divine mission and the glory of the Father. He speaks of His authority over all humanity and His role in offering eternal life, bringing glory to the Father through His mission. Verses 6-19: Jesus Prays for His Disciples Jesus shifts His prayer to His disciples, praying for their protection, unity, joy, and sanctification. He affirms that He has revealed God to them, and prays for their protection in the world after His departure. Verses 20-26: Jesus Prays for All Believers Finally, Jesus prays for all those who will come to believe in Him through the disciples' message. He prays for unity among future believers, that they would share the divine unity He experiences with the Father. He also prays that future believers would witness His glory. John 17 offers an intimate look at the depth of Jesus' prayer life and His concern for believers. Here, Jesus prays to God the Father, demonstrating His divine nature and His unity with the Father. This chapter is often called "The High Priestly Prayer," as it captures Jesus' heartfelt intercession for Himself, His disciples, and all future believers. Teaching Points Jesus' Prayer for Himself (John 17:1-5) Jesus begins by asking the Father to glorify Him so that He may glorify the Father. This mutual glorification highlights the divine relationship and purpose of Jesus' mission. Now this is eternal life: that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom You have sent (John 17:3). Eternal life is defined as knowing God and Jesus intimately. Jesus' Prayer for His Disciples (John 17:6-19) Jesus acknowledges that His disciples have kept God's word and prays for their protection from the evil one. He asks for their sanctification through the truth, stating, Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth (John 17:17). Jesus' Prayer for All Believers (John 17:20-26) Jesus extends His prayer to all future believers, emphasizing unity: that all of them may be one, Father, just as You are in Me and I am in You (John 17:21). He desires that believers experience the same love and unity that exists between Him and the Father. Practical Applications Pursue Intimacy with God Seek to know God and Jesus more deeply, as this is the essence of eternal life. Embrace Unity Strive for unity within the body of Christ, reflecting the oneness that Jesus prayed for. Live in Truth Allow God's Word to sanctify and guide your life, recognizing it as the ultimate truth. Pray for Protection Regularly pray for protection from spiritual attacks, just as Jesus prayed for His disciples. People 1. Jesus Christ Jesus is the central figure in this chapter, offering a prayer to the Father. He speaks of His mission, the glory He shares with the Father, and His desire for unity among His followers. In the original Greek, "Jesus" (Ἰησοῦς, Iēsous) is the Greek form of the Hebrew name "Yeshua," meaning "Yahweh is salvation." 2. God the Father Referred to simply as "Father" throughout the chapter, God the Father is the one to whom Jesus directs His prayer. The Greek word used is "Πατήρ" (Patēr), emphasizing the intimate and relational aspect of God as Father. 3. The Disciples Jesus prays specifically for His disciples, those whom the Father has given Him. He asks for their protection and sanctification. The term "disciples" (μαθηταί, mathētai) in Greek refers to learners or followers, highlighting their role as students of Jesus. 4. The World While not a person, "the world" is mentioned as the realm that is distinct from the followers of Jesus. Jesus prays for His disciples' protection from the evil in the world. The Greek term "κόσμος" (kosmos) is used, often referring to the secular world system opposed to God. 5. Future Believers Jesus extends His prayer to include all who will believe in Him through the message of the disciples. This group is not named individually but is significant as it encompasses all future Christians. The Greek phrase "πιστεύω" (pisteuō) is used, meaning "to believe" or "to have faith." Places John 17, often referred to as the High Priestly Prayer, is a chapter in the New Testament where Jesus prays to the Father. In this chapter, there are no specific geographical places mentioned. Instead, the focus is on spiritual themes and Jesus' relationship with the Father and His disciples. Therefore, a numbered list of physical places is not applicable to this chapter. However, if you are interested in a thematic or conceptual analysis, I can provide insights into the spiritual "places" or themes discussed in John 17. Let me know if you would like that information! Events 1. Jesus Prays for Himself (John 17:1-5) Jesus begins His prayer by addressing the Father, asking to be glorified so that He may glorify the Father. He acknowledges the authority given to Him over all flesh to grant eternal life. Jesus defines eternal life as knowing the only true God and Jesus Christ whom He has sent. He speaks of having glorified the Father on earth and completing the work given to Him. 2. Jesus Prays for His Disciples (John 17:6-19) Jesus prays specifically for His disciples, whom He has revealed the Father’s name to. He acknowledges that they have kept the word and believed that He came from the Father. Jesus asks for their protection in the Father’s name, unity, and joy. He prays for their sanctification by the truth, which is the word of God. The Greek word for "sanctify" (ἁγιάζω, hagiazō) implies setting apart for holy purposes. 3. Jesus Prays for All Believers (John 17:20-26) Jesus extends His prayer to all who will believe in Him through the disciples' message. He prays for unity among all believers, just as He is one with the Father. This unity is meant to be a testimony to the world of Jesus’ divine mission. Jesus desires that believers be with Him to see His glory, which the Father has given Him. He concludes by expressing His desire for the love of the Father to be in them and for Himself to be in them. Connections to Additional Scriptures Unity in the Body of Christ Ephesians 4:3-6 emphasizes the importance of maintaining unity in the Spirit. Sanctification through the Word Psalm 119:105 highlights the guiding power of God's Word. Eternal Life through Knowing God Philippians 3:10 expresses the desire to know Christ and the power of His resurrection. Prayer Points Glorification of God Pray that your life would glorify God in all that you do. Unity Among Believers Ask God to foster unity and love within your church and the global body of Christ. Sanctification and Truth Pray for a deeper understanding and application of God's Word in your life. Protection from Evil Seek God's protection over yourself and fellow believers from the schemes of the enemy. As we reflect on John 17, may we be inspired to live out the truths Jesus prayed for, growing in unity, sanctification, and love. Bible Study Questions 1. What do we learn about Jesus' relationship with God the Father in this prayer? 2. What does Jesus' prayer for His disciples reveal about His love and concern for them? 3. How can we apply Jesus' prayer for unity among believers to our relationships in the church today? 4. What does Jesus' prayer for future believers tell us about His vision for the church? 5. How does Jesus' request for the Father to "glorify your Son" challenge our understanding of glory? 6. How does this chapter influence your perspective on the purpose and power of prayer? 7. How does Jesus define "eternal life" in His prayer? 8. In what ways does Jesus' prayer inspire you to pray for others in your life? 9. What does it mean to be "sanctified by the truth" as Jesus prays for His disciples? 10. How does Jesus' prayer for His own glory impact your understanding of His mission? 11. How should the unity Jesus prays for among believers affect our behavior within the Christian community? 12. How does Jesus' concern for His disciples' protection apply to us as believers today? 13. How can we emulate Jesus' model of intercessory prayer in our own prayer lives? 14. How does Jesus' prayer in John 17 impact your understanding of your identity as a believer? 15. In the face of trials or hardships, how does knowing Jesus prayed for you give you comfort or strength? 16. How should Jesus' desire for unity among believers influence our attitudes toward church divisions or denominational differences? 17. How does Jesus' statement about His authority over all people affect your view of His divinity? 18. How does knowing Jesus prayed for future believers to witness His glory inspire your hope for eternal life? 19. In what ways does Jesus' prayer reveal the heart of His mission on earth? 20. How can we live out the unity Jesus prayed for in our daily interactions with other believers? Topics 1. Jesus Prays for Himself (John 17:1-5) Jesus begins His prayer by addressing the Father, asking to be glorified so that He may glorify the Father. This section emphasizes the pre-existence and divine mission of Jesus, as He speaks of the glory He shared with the Father "before the world existed" (John 17:5). The Greek word for "glory" (δόξα, doxa) is significant, indicating honor and divine majesty. 2. Jesus Prays for His Disciples (John 17:6-19) Jesus shifts His focus to His disciples, praying for their protection and sanctification. He acknowledges that they have kept His word and prays for their unity and joy. The term "sanctify" (ἁγιάζω, hagiazō) in verse 17, meaning to set apart for holy purposes, underscores the call for the disciples to be distinct from the world. 3. Jesus Prays for All Believers (John 17:20-26) Jesus extends His prayer to all future believers, emphasizing unity among them. He prays that they may be one, just as He and the Father are one, highlighting the importance of unity in the body of Christ. The Greek word for "one" (ἕν, hen) in verse 21 signifies a profound spiritual unity and oneness in purpose and mission. Each section of this chapter reflects Jesus' deep intercessory prayer, revealing His heart for His mission, His disciples, and all who would come to believe in Him through their message. Themes 1. Glorification of the Son and the Father Jesus begins His prayer by asking the Father to glorify Him so that He may glorify the Father. This mutual glorification highlights the divine relationship and purpose. ^“Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son may glorify You.”^ (John 17:1) The Greek word for "glorify" (δοξάζω, doxazō) implies honoring and exalting, reflecting the divine nature and mission of Jesus. 2. Eternal Life through Knowing God Jesus defines eternal life as knowing the only true God and Jesus Christ whom He has sent. This emphasizes the relational aspect of salvation. ^“Now this is eternal life: that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom You have sent.”^ (John 17:3) The Greek word for "know" (γινώσκω, ginōskō) suggests an intimate, experiential knowledge rather than mere intellectual understanding. 3. Completion of Jesus’ Earthly Mission Jesus speaks of having completed the work given to Him by the Father, underscoring His obedience and fulfillment of His earthly mission. ^“I have glorified You on earth by accomplishing the work You gave Me to do.”^ (John 17:4) The term "accomplishing" (τελειόω, teleioō) in Greek conveys the idea of bringing to completion or perfection. 4. Revelation of God’s Name Jesus has revealed the Father’s name to His disciples, indicating the disclosure of God’s character and nature. ^“I have revealed Your name to those You have given Me out of the world.”^ (John 17:6) In Hebrew thought, a name represents the essence and authority of a person, thus revealing God’s name signifies making His nature known. 5. Unity Among Believers Jesus prays for the unity of His followers, reflecting the unity between the Father and the Son. This unity is a testimony to the world of Jesus’ divine mission. ^“Holy Father, protect them by Your name, the name You gave Me, so that they may be one as We are one.”^ (John 17:11) The Greek word for "one" (ἕν, hen) emphasizes singularity and unity in purpose and essence. 6. Protection from the Evil One Jesus asks for the protection of His disciples from the evil one, highlighting the spiritual battle and the need for divine safeguarding. ^“I am not asking that You take them out of the world, but that You keep them from the evil one.”^ (John 17:15) The Greek term for "keep" (τηρέω, tēreō) implies guarding or preserving. 7. Sanctification through Truth Jesus prays for the sanctification of His disciples through the truth, which is God’s word. This theme underscores the transformative power of divine truth. ^“Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth.”^ (John 17:17) The Greek word for "sanctify" (ἁγιάζω, hagiazō) means to set apart for holy purposes. 8. Mission of the Disciples Jesus sends His disciples into the world just as the Father sent Him, indicating the continuation of His mission through them. ^“As You sent Me into the world, I have also sent them into the world.”^ (John 17:18) The Greek verb "sent" (ἀποστέλλω, apostellō) conveys the idea of being commissioned with authority. 9. Future Believers and Unity Jesus extends His prayer to future believers, emphasizing the importance of unity among all who will come to faith through the disciples’ message. ^“I am not asking on behalf of them alone, but also on behalf of those who will believe in Me through their message.”^ (John 17:20) This theme highlights the ongoing impact of the disciples’ witness and the inclusive nature of Jesus’ prayer. 10. The Love of the Father and the Son Jesus concludes by expressing the desire for believers to experience the love that exists between the Father and the Son, which is to be in them. ^“I have made Your name known to them, and will continue to make it known, so that the love You have for Me may be in them, and I in them.”^ (John 17:26) The Greek word for "love" (ἀγάπη, agapē) denotes selfless, sacrificial love, central to the Christian faith. Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions