A Prayer of Glory

A Prayer of Glory John 17:1-13 Setting the Scene • John’s gospel has been called a passion narrative with a detailed introduction: John 12:1 – His final week; John 13:1 – 17:26 – His final meal; John 18:1ff – His arrest and betrayal. • Prayer context: “In this world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” (16:33). • 3 Points – (1) Praying for Triune Glory; (2) Praying for God’s Own; (3) Praying for Ultimate Things Praying for Triune Glory • The prayer begins: “Glorify your Son that the Son may glorify You.” • Jesus prays about glory six different times: v. 1 (2x); v. 4; v. 5 (2x); and v. 10 • What does it mean to glorify? 1. Old Testament: shining face of Moses (Exodus 34); thanksgiving as sacrifice glorifies God (Psalm 50:23); to honor someone for their work (Esther 6:6) 2. New Testament: marvel at Jesus’s miracles (Matthew 15:31) 3. John’s Gospel: Jesus always derives glory passively through God’s direct intervention (8:54; 11:4; 12:16; 12:24) Praying for God’s Own • John 17 is about possession: 1. Gave/Given used 12x – see vs. 2 & 6 for best examples 2. “Yours/Mine” almost too numerous to count • Christ possesses people from eternity past (v. 6) unto eternal life (v. 2; 10) and joy (v. 13) – Jesus is praying for their protection and unity (v. 11). • Christ specifically excludes those who aren’t His own. • How do we know who belongs to Christ? Possession reigns – Those whom Christ possesses hear and keep His word (v. 6; 8; 12; 13). Praying for Ultimate Things • Jesus’s words are infused with the eternal: eternal life, eternal glory both past and future; unity’s eternal significance. • Jesus is praying for God’s protection of His people for time immemorial. • Jesus is praying over divine imperatives: 1. That the Son should glorify the Father (v. 1) 2. That the Son should do the Father’s work (v. 4) 3. That God’s people should be one (v. 11) 4. That God’s people should be filled with joy (v. 13) Example #1 – Glorify Your Son Heavenly Father, glorify your Son among the people of Fellowship Bible Church. May we receive His words with great joy, treasure the eternal life He brings, magnify the work He did and continues to do through His Holy Spirit, trust in His continual intercession, and rest in His flawless protection. Example #2 – Protect Your People Father, you, who have known us from eternity past, protect us from the evil one who so easily leads us astray. We recognize that resistance to your Word and dissention in our ranks are great sins that demand our constant attention. May our adherence to your Word match that of Jesus, who followed your will to death on a cross. May our unity reflect the harmony shared by the Triune God. May the joy we share ward off petty grievances and suspicious accusations. Example #3 – Ultimate Perspective Father, Christ came into the world to give us eternal life. He performed your work, spoke your word, and endured the chastisement we deserved. He now awaits the glory you have destined for Him. May our lives take the shape of this eternal perspective. May our dads labor for your glory in the workplace. May our moms raise children to be arrows in your hand. Deliver us from selfish hedonism. Grant us the focus to glorify you in all things among the people of this world.