John (31)

Introduction: Have you ever listened to someone pray? Examples…

Transition: Jesus has built His church in such a way that we have many opportunities to learn to pray by hearing others. In similar way, today we are going to read from John 17 where we find Jesus praying.

Read: John 17

Transition: Last week we discovered that the death and resurrection of Jesus turns sorrow into joy. The main reason this is true is because the death and resurrection of Jesus guarantees those who believe in Jesus Christ can be reconciled with God. Those guilty of sin can be redeemed through faith in Christ and live in His fulness of joy. One of the joys that Christ followers have is prayer. As we heard from Jesus in John 16:24 ....

We need to know what we should ask for. John 17 begins to answer this question by recording a prayer of Jesus. The Holy Spirit has inspired the apostle John to remember and write down the exact words of Jesus’ prayer. Now, as we have the privilege to hear Him pray may the Holy Spirit help us learn from our Savior.

Caution: There is much truth about prayer in this passage to be applied and obeyed. We are not going to be unpacking every detail, so you’ll need to commit to further study on your own or in small group next week. Also, this is not the only place in Scripture where prayers of Jesus are recorded or where we are taught about prayer; so the point isn't to make John 17 a prayer guide, as much as it is to listen to Jesus prayer and respond to this truth by the comfort of the Holy Spirit.

What is Jesus asking for? Glory!

Three broad observations: Jesus prays for Himself (17:1) , His disciples (17:9-11), and His church (17:20-21).

Now.. what is Jesus asking for Himself, His disciples, and His church?

Glory is the major emphasis threading through the whole prayer. (Observe repetition in verses 1,4,5, 10,22, 24) Noticing the connection with “glory” and “your name”.

What is glory? God’ reputation. His state of being. The total package of His perfect power, knowledge, and presence.

If we miss the whole argument of the gospel of John it may seem odd that Jesus would be praying for His own glory. He’s already corrected the religious leaders for seeking their own glory…

Transition: Observe three aspects of glory from Jesus’ prayer.

The glory of Christ’s accomplished work. 17:4

Explanation… ministry of the Son. (17:1-8)

How does this impact our prayers? Praying with obedience. (Jn. 15:7-11)

The glory of Christ in the enduring holiness of His disciples. (17:10)

Explanation… ministry of the apostles. (17:9-19)

How does this impact our prayers? Praying with Faith. (17:8)

The glory of Christ in the unifying witness of His church. (17:22)

Explanation… ministry of the church. (17:20-26)

How does this impact our prayers? Praying with Hope of future glory. (17:24)

Closing: The greatest concern of Jesus is the glory of God the Father. As such, He prays for that His church will see His glory which is to see the glory of the the Father. Notice, Jesus prayer for Himself and His immediate disciples has been answered. His prayer for His church is being answered. How are we being an answer to His prayer? How will we be?