The Lords Prayer

It is the greatest prayer ever prayed on earth and the greatest prayer recorded anywhere in Scripture. John 17 is certainly the “holy of holies” of the Gospel record, and we must approach this chapter in a spirit of humility and worship. To think that we are privileged to listen in as God the Son converses with His Father just as He is about to give His life as a ransom for sinners!

No matter what events occurred later that evening, this prayer makes it clear that Jesus was and is the Overcomer. He was not a “victim”; He was and is the Victor! “Be of good cheer,” He had encouraged His disciples; “I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). The word world is used nineteen times in this prayer, so it is easy to see the connection between the prayer and John 16:33. If you and I will understand and apply the truths revealed in this profound prayer, it will enable us to be overcomers too.

The progression of thought in this prayer is not difficult to discover.

Jesus first prayed for Himself and told the Father that His work on earth had been finished (John 17:1–5). Then He prayed for His disciples, that the Father would keep them and sanctify them (John 17:6–19). He closed His prayer by praying for you and me and the whole church, that we might be unified in Him and one day share His glory (John 17:20–26).

Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 1, p. 367). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.

Why did Jesus pray this prayer? Certainly He was preparing Himself for the sufferings that lay ahead. As He contemplated the glory that the Father promised Him, He would receive new strength for His sacrifice (Heb. 12:1–3). But He also had His disciples in mind (John 17:13). What an encouragement this prayer should have been to them! He prayed about their security, their joy, their unity, and their future glory! He also prayed it for us today, so that we would know all that He has done for us and given to us, and all that He will do for us when we get to heaven.

In this prayer, our Lord declares four wonderful privileges we have as His children, privileges that help to make us overcomers.

Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 1, p. 367). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.

John 17:1–26

I. A PERSONAL PRAYER—vv. 1–5 (We Share His Life)

A. Revelation—v. 1. Reveal God’s glory through Christ. Through this, God would be glorified. He speaks of His death, resurrection, and ascension.

B. Redemption—v. 2. Through His redemption, Christ would give eternal life to all who trust in Him.

C. Reassurance—v. 3. Eternal life through the only true God and Jesus Christ. Compare with John 14:1–6.

D. Respect—v. 4. “I brought glory to you here on earth by doing everything you told me to”—LB.

E. Revelation—v. 5. “And now, Father, reveal my glory as I stand in your presence, the glory we shared before the world began”—LB. Compare with Genesis 1:26; Daniel 4:25; John 1:3.

II. A PROTECTION PRAYER—vv. 6–19 (We Know His Name 6-12)

A. Acceptance—vv. 6–8. Though many rejected Christ, many did accept. Note the results to those who accepted—John 1:12.

B. Affection—vv. 9–11. It was the desire of Christ that all who heard Him would be saved, and that none be lost. He prays that God would protect all His followers.

C. Attachment—vv. 12–14. Christ was very close to His followers. He was concerned with their spiritual and physical welfare.

(We Have His Word)

D. Asking—vv. 15–19. Note the request:

1. Protection—vv. 15–16. Protect them from Satan’s power.

2. Purity—vv. 17–19. Make them holy through My words. Make them holy through the truth. What is the truth? See John 14:6; 8:32, 36.

III. A PERFECTION PRAYER—vv. 20–26 (We Share His Glory)

A. Plan—v. 20. Praying not only for His followers at that time, but for all Christians in the future. Even for us today!

B. Perfection—v. 21. Notice the importance of unity—Acts 2:1. All gathered together for one reason. See also Psalm 133:1.

C. Possession—vv. 22–23. Christ possessed God’s glory and power. He shared it with His followers. BY BEING PERFECT, HE PROVED GOD’S GLORY. We may share in the glory of God.

D. Plea—v. 24. It was Christ’s desire that His followers be with Him in heaven. Compare with John 14:3.

E. Personality—vv. 25–26. The personality of God was revealed through Christ. Through Christ the world could see God. God was in Christ. Christ was in man, showing God’s plan and power.

Pentz, C. M. (1974). Expository Outlines on the Gospel of John (p. 47). Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House.