John_17_BBCC_11.30.25.pdf

of the Sermon**

Today’s message explored the profound prayer of Jesus in John 17, often called the “holy of holies” of Scripture. We listened in as Jesus, just hours before His crucifixion, prayed not only for Himself but also for His disciples and for all future believers. The heart of His prayer revealed His deepest desires: that God would be glorified, that His followers would be secure in their salvation, sanctified for a sacred mission, unified as one body, and ultimately present with Him in glory. We were reminded that Jesus continues to intercede for us, and that His prayer shapes our understanding of what it means to live as His people in the world.

**K

Key Takeaways

• 1. God’s Glory Revealed in the Cross Jesus’ prayer for His own glorification was not a self-centered request, but a longing for the Father’s glory to be displayed through the cross. The cross, a place of suffering and shame, paradoxically becomes the clearest revelation of God’s holiness, justice, mercy, and love. In our own lives, God’s glory is often most visible not in our triumphs, but in our willingness to trust Him through pain and surrender. The cross teaches us that God’s greatest victories are often hidden in what the world sees as defeat.
• 2. The Security of Our Salvation Rests in God’s Character Jesus prayed that the Father would “keep” His followers, grounding our security not in our own faithfulness, but in God’s unchanging nature and power. Our assurance is not based on our ability to hold on to God, but on His ability to hold on to us. This truth frees us from anxiety about our standing with God and invites us to rest in His promises. True security leads not to complacency, but to deeper trust and gratitude.
• 3. Sanctification for a Sacred Mission Jesus did not ask for His followers to be removed from the world, but to be sanctified—set apart—by God’s truth for His mission. We are called to live differently, shaped by God’s Word, even as we remain present in a world that often opposes Him. Sanctification is not about withdrawal, but about being transformed so we can be sent as light into darkness. Our usefulness to God grows as we allow His truth to shape our hearts and actions.
• 4. Unity as a Witness to the World Jesus’ prayer for unity among believers is not about uniformity, but about a deep, Spirit-empowered oneness rooted in truth and the gospel. The effectiveness of our witness is tied to our ability to live out this unity, even amid differences. Division and strife within the church undermine our mission and distort the message of Christ to a watching world. Pursuing unity requires humility, a commitment to truth, and a willingness to prioritize the gospel above lesser disagreements.
• 5. The Hope of Being with Christ Forever Jesus closed His prayer with a longing for His people to be with Him and to see His glory. Our ultimate hope is not just in what God does for us now, but in the promise of eternal fellowship with Him. This hope sustains us through trials and motivates us to live for His glory today. The invitation remains open: through Christ’s finished work, we are welcomed into His presence, both now and forever.

1. In John 17, who are the three groups or people that Jesus prays for, and how does His focus shift throughout the chapter?
2. According to verses 1-5, what does Jesus ask the Father to do, and what does He say is the purpose of this request?
3. In verses 14-19, what does Jesus say about His followers’ relationship to the world, and what does He specifically ask the Father to do for them?
4. What is the connection Jesus makes between unity among believers and the world believing in Him, as seen in verses 20-23?

1. Why does Jesus pray for His own glorification through the cross, and how is this different from seeking personal glory?
2. What does it mean that the security of our salvation is based on God’s character and not our own ability? How might this change the way someone views their relationship with God?
3. Jesus prays for His followers to be sanctified by the truth. What does it look like for someone to be “set apart” for God’s mission while still living in the world?
4. How does unity among believers serve as a witness to the world, and why do you think Jesus made this such a central part of His prayer?

1. The sermon said that God’s glory is often most visible in our willingness to trust Him through pain and surrender, not just in our triumphs. Can you think of a time when God was glorified in your life during a difficult season? How did that experience shape your faith?
2. If our security as believers rests in God’s ability to keep us, not our own faithfulness, how does that affect your daily confidence or struggles with doubt? Are there areas where you need to rest more in God’s promises?
3. Jesus did not pray for His followers to be removed from the world, but to be sanctified and sent into it. In what ways do you feel the tension of being “in the world but not of it”? Are there specific situations where you find it hard to live differently?
4. The sermon mentioned that sanctification comes through God’s Word. What is one practical step you could take this week to let God’s truth shape your heart and actions more deeply?
5. Jesus prayed for unity among His followers. Are there any relationships in your church or Christian community where you sense division or tension? What would it look like for you to pursue unity, humility, or reconciliation in those situations?
6. The hope of being with Christ forever is meant to sustain us through trials. How does the promise of eternal life with Jesus impact the way you handle current challenges or disappointments?
7. The sermon encouraged praying for one another in the moment. Is there someone in your life you could pray for this week, either in person or by reaching out to them? How might this simple act encourage both you and them?