Introduction

Jesus' prayer for His disciples, often referred to as the High Priestly Prayer, is found in the Gospel of John, chapter 17. This prayer is a profound and intimate communication between Jesus and the Father, occurring shortly before His arrest and crucifixion. It is a pivotal moment in the New Testament, revealing Jesus' deep love and concern for His followers, both present and future.

Context

The prayer takes place after the Last Supper, during Jesus' final discourse with His disciples. It is part of the Farewell Discourse (John 13-17), where Jesus prepares His disciples for His impending departure. The prayer is divided into three main sections: Jesus prays for Himself (John 17:1-5), for His disciples (John 17:6-19), and for all future believers (John 17:20-26).

Content of the Prayer

1. Jesus Prays for Himself (John 17:1-5):
Jesus begins by asking the Father to glorify Him so that He may glorify the Father. He acknowledges the authority given to Him over all flesh and the gift of eternal life to those the Father has given Him. Jesus defines eternal life as knowing the only true God and Jesus Christ, whom He has sent. He speaks of completing the work given to Him and asks to be glorified with the glory He had with the Father before the world existed.

"Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son may glorify You." (John 17:1)

2. Jesus Prays for His Disciples (John 17:6-19):
Jesus intercedes specifically for His disciples, whom He has revealed the Father's name to. He acknowledges that they have kept His word and believed that He was sent by the Father. Jesus prays for their protection, unity, and sanctification. He asks the Father to keep them from the evil one and to sanctify them in the truth, which is God's word.

"I am not asking that You take them out of the world, but that You keep them from the evil one." (John 17:15)

Jesus emphasizes the disciples' mission in the world, just as He was sent into the world. He consecrates Himself for their sake, so they too may be sanctified in truth.

3. Jesus Prays for All Believers (John 17:20-26):
Extending His prayer beyond the immediate circle of disciples, Jesus prays for all who will believe in Him through their message. He desires that all believers may be one, just as He and the Father are one, so that the world may believe that the Father sent Him. Jesus prays for the unity of believers, that they may be brought to complete unity and that the love with which the Father loved Him may be in them.

"I have given them the glory You gave Me, so that they may be one as We are one." (John 17:22)

Jesus concludes by expressing His desire for believers to be with Him and to see His glory, which the Father has given Him because He loved Him before the foundation of the world.

Theological Significance

Jesus' prayer for His disciples is rich in theological themes, including the nature of eternal life, the mission of the Church, the sanctification of believers, and the unity of the body of Christ. It underscores the intimate relationship between Jesus and the Father and highlights the divine purpose and mission entrusted to the disciples. The prayer also serves as a model of intercessory prayer, demonstrating Jesus' role as the mediator between God and humanity.

Conclusion

Jesus' High Priestly Prayer remains a cornerstone of Christian theology and devotion, offering profound insights into the heart of Christ for His followers and His vision for the Church. It continues to inspire believers to seek unity, holiness, and a deeper relationship with God through Jesus Christ.