Jesus' care for his church

Introduction

Jesus is preparing his disciples for his departure. He is going back to the Father. Before that he must suffer on the cross to pay for the sins of his people and then rise again the third day. But we will soon leave his disciples.

They need to be prepared for this. They need to know he cares for them. Although he is not with them in person, he has not forsaken them. The Father will care for them. The Holy Spirit will come to them. Jesus will intercede for them.

John Calvin “This prayer of Christ is a safe harbour, and whoever retreats into it is safe from all danger of shipwreck; for it is as if Christ had solemnly sworn that he will devote his care and diligence to our salvation.”

I. Unity- Jesus cares for his people’s unity v.11, 20-21

v.11 “Now I am no longer in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to You. Holy Father, keep through Your name those whom You have given Me, that they may be one as We are.”

a) Father’s protection

“Now I am no longer in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to You. Holy Father, keep through Your name those whom You have given Me...”

b) Believer’s unity

“ that they may be one as We are.”

v.21 “that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us”

c) God’s glory

v.21 “that the world may believe that You sent Me”

Application

II. Sanctification- Jesus cares for his peoples sanctification v.17-19

a) Sanctification

v.17 “Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.”

b) Sending

v.18 “As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world.”

c) Christ’s purpose

v.19 “And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they also may be sanctified by the truth.”

Application

III. Glorification- Jesus cares for his peoples salvation v.24

a) His people with him

v.24 “Father, I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am...”

b) His glory seen

v.24b “that they may behold My glory which You have given Me; for You loved Me before the foundation of the world.”

Application

Conclusion