1.According to the Gospels, Jesus prayed on many occasions. 2.To illustrate, Jesus prayed all night in a mountain before He selected His apostles (Luke 6:12-13). 3.In our lesson we are studying the prayer that Jesus prayed just before He was arrested (John 17). 4.The Lord's prayer can be divided into 3 main sections: a.(vs.1-5) Jesus prayed on His behalf b.(vs.6-19) Jesus prayed on behalf of His apostles c.(vs.20-26) Jesus prayed on behalf of all believers.
Discussion:
I.(vs.1-5) JESUSFIRSTPRAYEDONHISBEHALF
A.As He prayed on his own behalf, Jesus asked the Father to 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 been His before the world was created. D.We learn what Jesus went through to be glorified in Philippians 2:5-11. E.In praying on His own behalf, Jesus was actually requesting for the Father's will to be done.
II.(vs.6-19) JESUSNEXTPRAYEDONBEHALFOFHISAPOSTLES
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" (see Luke 22:24). 2.(vs.15) 2nd request: "Keep them from the evil [one]" (see Luke 22:31-32). 3.(vs.17) 3rd request: "Sanctify them through thy truth" (see 2 Timothy 2:21). C.After praying for Himself and His apostles, . . .
III.(vs.20-26) JESUSPRAYEDONBEHALFOFALLBELIEVERS
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 [to fulfill the GreatCommission -- Matthew 28:19-20]. 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 may 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 14:1-3).
Conclusion:
1.This prayer is very special -- Jesus prayed it just before He was crucified. 2.We learn from it that the Lord wants His followers to be sanctified and united. 3.To accomplish this we must follow His Word (1 Corinthians 1:10; Ephesians 4:1-3; Philippians 2:1-4).
