Christ Hour Had Come

The Hour of Jesus: A Prayer for Unity

52 Sermons About Christ

John 17:1

Summary: In John 17:1, Jesus prays to the Father as the hour of His crucifixion draws near.

Application: This passage reminds us of the importance of prayer and seeking unity among believers, especially during times of trial and challenge. It encourages us to turn to God in prayer for strength and unity in the face of adversity.

Teaching: Jesus' prayer in John 17 teaches us about the intimate relationship between the Father and the Son, as well as the importance of unity in the body of Christ.

How this passage could point to Christ: In John 17:1, we see Jesus fulfilling His role as the ultimate High Priest who intercedes for His followers before the Father, pointing to His sacrificial death on the cross for the unity and salvation of His people.

Big Idea: Through prayer and seeking unity, we can find strength and support in times of trial, reflecting the intimate relationship between Jesus and the Father, who ultimately sacrificed Himself for the unity and salvation of believers.

Recommended Study: For further study on the prayer life of Jesus and the concept of unity in the body of Christ, I recommend exploring resources in Logos related to the intercessory role of Christ as our High Priest and the biblical teachings on Christian unity. Additionally, look into commentaries on John's Gospel to gain deeper insights into the context and theological significance of Jesus' prayer in John 17.

1. Surrendering in Prayer: Unity’s Key

John 17:1

You could emphasize how Jesus' prayer highlights the significance of approaching God with a heart of submission and trust, mirroring Jesus' approach to His Crucifixion. This act of surrender to God’s will, encapsulated in His prayer, can serve as a model for believers in seeking divine strength and unity amid trials.

2. Sacrificial Love: Unity’s Foundation

John 17:1

Maybe explore the unity Jesus prays for within the context of His impending sacrifice, suggesting that true unity among believers is rooted in the shared acknowledgment of Christ's sacrificial love. This focus underscores the need for communal and individual prayers that seek to emulate the unity for which Christ prayed.

3. Spiritual Intercession: Unity’s Effort

John 17:1

Perhaps discuss the role of Jesus as the High Priest interceding for His people, emphasizing that our prayers for unity should also intercede for others, as Jesus did. This point can help believers understand their role in the body of Christ, encouraging them to actively seek the well-being and unity of their communal faith through prayer.