John 17

God’s Love and His Plan for Humanity

How is God’s love described and portrayed in the Holy Scriptures?

The best way to see God’s love is to look at the heart of Jesus’ prayer.

This High Priestly prayer of Jesus happened after the Lord’s Supper and before the Arrest and crucifixion.

Outline:

I. Jesus' Love for the Father

Obedience in accomplishing the work He was given to do (v.4)

Displayed in giving glory to the Father by dying on the cross to bring eternal life to those who believe in Jesus (vv.2-3)

Making the name of the Father known to the world (vv.6-7; v.26)

II. Jesus' Love for the Believers

Jesus praying in behalf of the believers for their protection and unity (vv.9-11)

Jesus guarded them (v.12)

Jesus prayed for their sanctification (v.17-19)

Jesus interceding for the believers after the resurrection (Romans 8:34)

Romans 8:34 NASB95

34 who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us.

III. Jesus' Love for the Lost

Jesus Praying in behalf of future-believers (vv.20-21)

He came to seek and save the lost Luke 19:10

Luke 19:10 NASB95

10 “For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.”

God’s plan is to save the lost through faith in Jesus (Ephesians 2:8-10)

Ephesians 2:8–10 NASB95

8 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; 9 not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.

God’s love is displayed in the dying of the innocent for the guilty.

Romans 5:8 NASB95

8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

1 John 5:13 NASB95

13 These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life.

Challenge:

How is your faith in Jesus?

Do you believe that the blood of Jesus alone is enough to save you?

or do you believe that you still have to add your goodness and your good works so that you will be saved?

The bible says - believe in Jesus! not Believe in yourself and in your goodness.

How is your obedience to the Father?

God is not expecting you to be perfect, but he is expecting you to be sanctified! to grow in holiness and righteousness.

How's Your Love for for the lost?

Do you desire to share the gospel especially to the lost?

You cannot love the lost without the love of Jesus in you!