1. In ch.13-17 of his Gospel the apostle John wrote about the Lord's "private ministry." 2. We have previously covered ch.13-16 in which Jesus delivered instructions and words of encouragement to the apostles. 3. In this lesson we are studying Jesus' prayer recorded in ch.17. 4. The Lord's prayer can be divided into 3 main sections. Discussion: I. (John 17:1-5) JESUS FIRST PRAYED FOR HIMSELF
A. As He did so, Jesus requested that the Father glorify Him (vs.1, 5). B. Jesus made this request because: 1. He realized that His hour had come (vs.1) 2. He had finished the work that the Father had given Him to do (vs.4). C. In asking the Father to glorify Him, Jesus was not being selfish. 1. (vs.1) By being glorified Himself, He would glorify the Father. 2. (vs.5) He was asking for the glory that had earlier been His. D. We learn what Jesus went through to be glorified in Philippians 2:5-11. E. In praying for Himself, Jesus was actually requesting that the will of the Father be done. F. After praying for Himself, . . . II. (John 17:6-19) JESUS NEXT PRAYED FOR HIS APOSTLES
A. Jesus had chosen 12 men to serve as His apostles. 1. He had taught them the things that the Father had given to Him. 2. He had guarded and protected the apostles. 3. They had all remained faithful to Him, except Judas. B. Knowing that He was about to leave His apostles, Jesus made 3 requests of the Father on their behalf. 1. (vs.11) 1st request: "That they may be one, as we are." 2. (vs.15) 2nd request: "Keep them from the evil [one]". 3. (vs.17) 3rd request: "Sanctify them through thy truth." C. As Jesus prayed on this occasion: 1. He requested that the Father glorify Him 2. He made 3 special requests on behalf of His apostles. III. (John 17:20-26) FINALLY, JESUS PRAYED FOR ALL BELIEVERS
A. (vs.20) He prayed for those who would believe on Him through the apostles' teaching. 1. (vs.8) Jesus had given to His apostles the words that the Father had given to Him. 2. (vs.18) Jesus was sending His apostles into the world. 3. When the apostles taught, they delivered God's words. 4. Those who believe the apostles' teaching, in reality, believe God. B. Jesus made several requests on behalf of those who believe on Him through the teaching of the apostles. 1. (vs.21-23) He requested 3 times that they be one. a. He wants His followers to be one as He and the Father are one. b. This will cause the world to believe and to know that God sent His Son (vs.21, 23). 2. (vs.24) He requested that His followers be with Him (John 14:1-4). 3. (vs.25-26) He requested that He and the Father's love would be in His followers. Conclusion:
1. As Jesus faced a great burden, He made "requests" for Himself, His apostles, and all of His followers. 2. Let us follow His example (Philippians 4:6). 3. Let us comply with His request (1 Corinthians 1:10; Ephesians 4:1-3; Philippians 2:1-2).
