Introduction

The prayer of Jesus for His disciples, often referred to as the High Priestly Prayer, is a profound moment recorded in the Gospel of John, chapter 17. This prayer is a significant part of the Upper Room Discourse, where Jesus, on the eve of His crucifixion, intercedes for His disciples and all future believers. This passage reveals the heart of Jesus for His followers, emphasizing themes of unity, sanctification, and divine mission.

Context

The setting of this prayer is the night before Jesus' crucifixion, following the Last Supper. Jesus, aware of His impending suffering and departure from the world, turns to the Father in prayer. This moment is a culmination of His earthly ministry and a transition to His sacrificial role as the Lamb of God. The prayer is divided into three parts: Jesus prays for Himself (John 17:1-5), for His disciples (John 17:6-19), and for all believers (John 17:20-26).

Content of the Prayer

1. Revelation and Knowledge: Jesus begins by acknowledging that He has revealed the Father to the disciples. "I have revealed Your name to those You have given Me out of the world" (John 17:6). This revelation is not merely intellectual but relational, as the disciples have come to know the Father through the Son.

2. Protection and Unity: Jesus prays for the protection of His disciples, asking the Father to keep them in His name. "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 unity of the disciples is a reflection of the unity between the Father and the Son, serving as a testimony to the world.

3. Joy and Sanctification: Jesus desires that His joy may be fulfilled in the disciples. "But now I am coming to You, and I say these things while I am in the world, so that they may have My joy fulfilled within them" (John 17:13). He also prays for their sanctification, asking the Father to sanctify them in the truth, which is His word. "Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth" (John 17:17).

4. Mission and Sending: Jesus commissions His disciples, sending them into the world just as He was sent by the Father. "As You sent Me into the world, I have also sent them into the world" (John 17:18). This mission is rooted in the truth and empowered by the sanctification they receive from the Father.

Theological Significance

The prayer of Jesus for His disciples underscores several key theological themes:

· Intercession: Jesus acts as the mediator between God and humanity, interceding on behalf of His followers. This role is consistent with His ongoing intercessory work as described in Hebrews 7:25.

· Unity: The unity of believers is a central concern in Jesus' prayer. This unity is not merely organizational but spiritual, reflecting the divine relationship within the Trinity.

· Sanctification: The process of sanctification is highlighted as essential for the disciples' mission. It is through the truth of God's word that believers are set apart for holy purposes.

· Mission: The prayer emphasizes the missional aspect of the disciples' calling. As recipients of divine revelation and sanctification, they are sent into the world to continue the work of Christ.

Conclusion

The High Priestly Prayer of Jesus for His disciples is a profound expression of His love and concern for those who follow Him. It reveals His desire for their protection, unity, joy, sanctification, and mission, providing a model for Christian life and ministry.