Jesus' Prayer: Unity, Sanctification, and Eternal Life
Summary
In John 17, we witness a profound moment where Jesus, on the brink of His crucifixion, pauses to converse with His Father. This chapter is often referred to as the "Holy of Holies" of the New Testament, a sentiment echoed by the 16th-century Scottish reformer John Knox, who cherished this chapter deeply. As Jesus prepares for His ultimate sacrifice, He reflects on His mission and the work He has accomplished. He speaks of the hour that has finally come, a recurring theme throughout the New Testament where Jesus often mentioned that His time had not yet arrived. Now, however, the appointed time for His crucifixion has come, and He lifts His eyes to heaven, asking the Father to glorify Him so that He may glorify the Father in return.
Jesus' mission was not an impossible one, despite the immense challenges He faced. He completed everything He was called to do out of love for humanity. This is a powerful reminder that no matter how impossible our situations may seem, Jesus has already accomplished the impossible for us. He has overcome the world, and in Him, we can find peace even amidst tribulation.
Jesus' prayer in John 17 is not just for His disciples but for all who would come to believe in Him through their message. He prays for their sanctification, asking the Father to set them apart by His truth. This sanctification is not about fitting in with the world but about being distinct and dedicated to God's purposes. Jesus emphasizes the importance of finishing the work God has given us, just as He finished the work the Father gave Him. This is a call to obedience and perseverance, to not leave any task incomplete, much like Saul's failure to fully obey God's command regarding the Amalekites.
Jesus' prayer also highlights the importance of unity among believers. He prays that they may be one, just as He and the Father are one. This unity is not about uniformity but about being united in purpose and love, despite differences. It is a call to embrace our identity in Christ and to live out our faith authentically, without compromise.
In the midst of suffering and pain, Jesus' example shows us that our greatest hurts can lead to our greatest good. Just as His crucifixion brought about the greatest glory for God, our trials can lead to spiritual growth and deeper reliance on God. This is a reminder to hold on to Jesus, even in the most challenging times, trusting that He is working all things for our good.
Jesus' mission was to give eternal life to those the Father had given Him. This eternal life is not just about living forever but about knowing God experientially. It is about a relationship with the Creator, who loves us and desires for us to know Him deeply. This relationship is not based on our efforts or good works but on the finished work of Jesus on the cross. He has paid the price for our sins, and through Him, we can be made righteous.
As we reflect on Jesus' prayer and His mission, we are reminded of the importance of living out our faith with integrity and commitment. We are called to finish the work God has given us, to live in unity with other believers, and to trust in God's purposes even in the midst of suffering. Jesus' example and His prayer for us are powerful reminders of God's love and His desire for us to know Him and to glorify Him in all that we do.
Key Takeaways:
1. Mission Accomplished Through Jesus: Jesus completed His mission out of love for us, overcoming the world and providing peace amidst tribulation. This reminds us that no matter how impossible our situations may seem, Jesus has already accomplished the impossible for us. We are called to trust in His finished work and find peace in Him. [01:43]
2. Sanctification and Distinction: Jesus prayed for our sanctification, asking the Father to set us apart by His truth. This sanctification is about being distinct and dedicated to God's purposes, not fitting in with the world. We are called to embrace our identity in Christ and live out our faith authentically, without compromise. [43:06]
3. Unity Among Believers: Jesus prayed for unity among believers, that we may be one just as He and the Father are one. This unity is about being united in purpose and love, despite differences. It is a call to embrace our identity in Christ and to live out our faith authentically, without compromise. [33:28]
4. Perseverance in Obedience: Jesus' example shows us the importance of finishing the work God has given us. We are called to obedience and perseverance, to not leave any task incomplete. This is a reminder to hold on to Jesus, even in the most challenging times, trusting that He is working all things for our good. [25:48]
5. Experiential Knowledge of God: Eternal life is about knowing God experientially, not just intellectually. This relationship is not based on our efforts or good works but on the finished work of Jesus on the cross. Through Him, we can be made righteous and have a deep, personal relationship with the Creator. [19:14]
Youtube Chapters:
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:43] - Mission Accomplished Through Jesus
[03:26] - Jesus' Hour Has Come
[06:11] - Receiving Jesus by Faith
[09:43] - Eternal Life as a Gift
[13:11] - The Problem of Sin
[15:11] - Greatest Hurt, Greatest Good
[18:24] - Glorifying God, Not Ourselves
[19:14] - Experiential Knowledge of God
[21:15] - Misconceptions of Heaven
[22:33] - Finishing the Work
[24:31] - Obedience and Perseverance
[25:48] - Jesus' Finished Work
[27:09] - Manifesting God's Name
[28:00] - Keeping God's Word
[29:17] - Secret Lives and True Faith
[30:28] - The Power of the Spoken Word
[32:58] - Jesus' Prayer for His Disciples
[33:28] - Unity Among Believers
[34:48] - Personal Relationships in Christ
[35:17] - Marriage and Unity
[36:13] - God's Keeping Power
[37:06] - The Wastefulness of Sin
[38:10] - A Personal Story of Transformation
[39:54] - The Consequences of Sin
[41:19] - The World's Hatred and God's Protection
[43:06] - Sanctification and Distinction
[44:19] - Authentic Christian Living
[45:29] - Jesus' Invitation to Rest
[46:45] - Prayer and Commitment
[48:44] - Communion
[50:57] - Memorial Day Reflection
[52:12] - Closing Remarks
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. John 17:1-5
2. John 17:20-23
3. John 17:24-26
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Jesus ask the Father to do in John 17:1, and why does He make this request? ([04:28])
2. According to John 17:3, what is eternal life, and how is it described? ([19:14])
3. In John 17:20-23, what does Jesus pray for concerning future believers, and what is the purpose of this prayer? ([33:28])
4. How does Jesus describe His relationship with the Father in John 17:24-26, and what does He desire for His followers? ([27:09])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it significant that Jesus prays for His glorification in John 17:1-5? How does this relate to His mission on earth? ([04:28])
2. What does Jesus mean by "sanctify them by your truth" in John 17:17, and how does this apply to believers today? ([43:06])
3. How does Jesus' prayer for unity among believers in John 17:20-23 challenge the way we view and interact with other Christians? ([33:28])
4. In what ways does Jesus' prayer in John 17:24-26 reflect His desire for an intimate relationship between God and His followers? ([27:09])
#### Application Questions
1. Jesus completed His mission out of love for us, overcoming the world and providing peace amidst tribulation. How can you find peace in Jesus amidst your current challenges? ([01:43])
2. Jesus prayed for our sanctification, asking the Father to set us apart by His truth. What steps can you take this week to live out your faith authentically and without compromise? ([43:06])
3. Jesus emphasized the importance of unity among believers. How can you contribute to unity within your church or small group, despite differences? ([33:28])
4. Reflect on a time when you faced a significant trial. How did you see God working for your good during that period? How can you hold on to Jesus in your current or future trials? ([15:11])
5. Eternal life is about knowing God experientially. What specific actions can you take to deepen your relationship with God this week? ([19:14])
6. Jesus' example shows us the importance of finishing the work God has given us. Is there a task or calling you feel God has given you that remains incomplete? What steps can you take to finish it? ([25:48])
7. Jesus' prayer for unity is not about uniformity but being united in purpose and love. How can you practice this unity in your interactions with other believers, especially those with whom you may disagree? ([33:28])
Devotional
Day 1: Trust in Jesus' Finished Work
Description:
Jesus' mission was to complete the work given to Him by the Father, and He did so out of immense love for humanity. Despite the challenges and suffering He faced, Jesus overcame the world and provided peace amidst tribulation. This is a powerful reminder that no matter how impossible our situations may seem, Jesus has already accomplished the impossible for us. We are called to trust in His finished work and find peace in Him. Jesus' prayer in John 17 reflects His deep commitment to His mission and His desire for us to experience the peace that comes from trusting in Him. [01:43]
Bible passage:
"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid." (John 14:27, ESV)
Reflection:
Think of a current situation in your life that feels impossible. How can you trust in Jesus' finished work and find peace in Him today?
Day 2: Embrace Your Sanctification
Description:
Jesus prayed for our sanctification, asking the Father to set us apart by His truth. This sanctification is about being distinct and dedicated to God's purposes, not fitting in with the world. As believers, we are called to embrace our identity in Christ and live out our faith authentically, without compromise. This means allowing God's truth to shape our lives and decisions, even when it sets us apart from the world around us. Jesus' prayer emphasizes the importance of being sanctified by the truth and living a life that reflects our dedication to God's purposes. [43:06]
Bible passage:
"Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world." (John 17:17-18, ESV)
Reflection:
In what ways can you allow God's truth to set you apart from the world today? How can you live out your faith authentically and without compromise?
Day 3: Unity in Purpose and Love
Description:
Jesus prayed for unity among believers, that we may be one just as He and the Father are one. This unity is not about uniformity but about being united in purpose and love, despite our differences. As believers, we are called to embrace our identity in Christ and to live out our faith authentically, without compromise. This unity is a powerful testimony to the world of God's love and the transformative power of the gospel. Jesus' prayer for unity challenges us to seek reconciliation, understanding, and love within the body of Christ, reflecting the unity He shares with the Father. [33:28]
Bible passage:
"I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me." (John 17:20-21, ESV)
Reflection:
How can you contribute to unity within your church or community today? What steps can you take to foster understanding and love among fellow believers?
Day 4: Persevere in Obedience
Description:
Jesus' example shows us the importance of finishing the work God has given us. We are called to obedience and perseverance, to not leave any task incomplete. This is a reminder to hold on to Jesus, even in the most challenging times, trusting that He is working all things for our good. Just as Jesus completed His mission out of love for us, we are called to faithfully complete the tasks God has given us, no matter how difficult they may seem. This perseverance in obedience is a testament to our faith and trust in God's purposes for our lives. [25:48]
Bible passage:
"And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up." (Galatians 6:9, ESV)
Reflection:
What is one task or calling that you feel God has given you? How can you persevere in obedience and trust that God is working all things for your good?
Day 5: Experiential Knowledge of God
Description:
Eternal life is about knowing God experientially, not just intellectually. This relationship is not based on our efforts or good works but on the finished work of Jesus on the cross. Through Him, we can be made righteous and have a deep, personal relationship with the Creator. Jesus' mission was to give eternal life to those the Father had given Him, and this eternal life is about a relationship with God who loves us and desires for us to know Him deeply. This experiential knowledge of God transforms our lives and draws us closer to Him. [19:14]
Bible passage:
"And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent." (John 17:3, ESV)
Reflection:
How can you deepen your experiential knowledge of God today? What specific steps can you take to grow in your relationship with Him?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "No one can snatch you out of the father's hands. No danger, no, say, you could go to Romans 8 and look at all that beautiful section there. Who can separate us from the love of Christ? And he goes through every possibility that can happen in a life. And he says, none of these things can do that. It's a wonderful thing, guys. Because if anyone could foul up and fail, it would have been me. I know. I mean, I was an expert at deception. I was an expert at all kinds of things back in those days when I was living that way. And, you would have thought that I would have been the first one to fail. But God has brought me along. He'll never let go of me. He will never let go of you. He will keep you." [36:13]
2. "God wants to take that depression out. You make a commitment to him. You trust him. That word, he says, Father, sanctify them. Notice this is us. He's praying for those that will believe in the message of the disciples. That's us. We're reading from their writings. He says, sanctify them by your truth, Lord. Your word is truth. Sanctify means set apart. Something that's set apart from it no longer is everyday kind of secular uses but it's exclusively for God's use and to bring him glory." [42:35]
3. "Come unto me, those who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. You rest in your efforts to change your life. You rest in your efforts to try to make your life, have meaning. Hey, listen. Come to him. He'll give you those things. He'll transform you. And you'll have a new beginning. Receive the Lord. He rose from the dead for you so that he could come into your heart. And he says, behold, I knock on the door of your heart. And if any man hears my voice and opens the door to his heart, I will come in. I will come in. And we will have supper." [45:29]
4. "You might think that you are mission impossible, but you're not. Jesus is holding out his hands to you. Here is something that he could check off on the list. I manifested your name. I showed who God was. Through my life, God in the flesh dwelt among us. And that word manifests. It's phaneroo in the Greek. It means to shine forth. I shined forth who you are in my life. It's an illustration, not a declaration so much. But it's an illustration, and that's what Jesus did." [28:00]
5. "He has forgiven you. You can't pay for that forgiveness. You can't change your life but he can change you. He is the miracle worker. He is the one that performs mission uh impossible becomes mission possible so he says look I came to give eternal life to as many as you have given him I remember when I came to Christ I just what occurred to me was I've just gotten saved and it didn't cost me anything it wasn't my by some tremendous effort that I had to put out for my salvation Jesus did all the tremendous effort Jesus died Jesus suffered Jesus went through torture for me that he could give me new life eternal life man I I couldn't understand why anybody would ever turn it down." [09:43]
### Quotes for Members
1. "I think sometimes one of the greatest things to accomplish in marriage counseling is to get the husband and wife to realize that they are one, that they're on the same side. Instead of fighting and having that war and trying to score points, you know, against each other, that they realize, man, we're on the same team. We're going for the same things. We're raising our children to know you." [35:17]
2. "Could the greatest hurt that you're going through, maybe a hurt even right now, could it actually be the greatest good for you? Don't run away from your cross. Don't run away from what's going on your circumstances and your circumstances. Or that are maybe very, very hard to go through right now. Hey, hold on. Hold on to Jesus today. We like to think of that greatest glory, you know, comes when you win the Olympic gold and you win the race and you're in front of 100,000 cheering fans. But could it be that in God's way of doing things, our greatest glory may actually come for our greatest pain? Jesus said that. Jesus displayed that." [17:00]
3. "And so he's saying, he's praying that, that they are, as they're going to be in the world, that not to transform or organize the world or we're going to make it all wonderful and then Jesus, you come back but rather he's praying for those that the Father has called out of the world system that we may be one as we are. And so, you know, it's one of those things, guys. He's speaking about us now and he's praying for us that we might be one. That we might hold on to those essential truths of the Bible. We don't need to agree with each other about everything but we need to be one in him. That it doesn't matter what denomination, it doesn't matter what church you go to as long as you love Jesus, man. We're one. We're brothers and sisters." [33:52]
4. "And so listen, guys. Where are we at today? You might think that you are mission impossible, but you're not. Jesus is holding out his hands to you. Here is something that he could check off on the list. I manifested your name. I showed who God was. Through my life, God in the flesh dwelt among us. And that word manifests. It's phaneroo in the Greek. It means to shine forth. I shined forth who you are in my life. It's an illustration, not a declaration so much. But it's an illustration, and that's what Jesus did. And then he says, I have kept your word. And I think about those two things, and I ask myself, you know, in before the Lord, Lord, if I were to go to be before you today, could I claim the same thing? Have I kept your word? You know what, gladly, you know what? Many of us here have kept God's word. We're not perfect. But we're walking with the Lord, aren't we? We're praying, and we're in the word of God. We're in fellowship with your people. That's what God has called us to do." [28:00]
5. "And so here in this cross, as Jesus is tortured and hurt, comes the greatest glory for God. And sometimes, guys, in our lives, our greatest hurt in our lives is the fact that we don't know what to do. It can be our greatest good. I know your story. I know some of you guys have gone through really hard times in your life. You've gone to times when you're so depressed and so down about what you're doing. Man, that, you know, it's amazing how God brought you through it. And God took you out of that. And you grew. And great victory came out of those very things." [15:11]
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