1. Our lesson is a study of this prayer Jesus prayed before He was arrested. 2. The Lord's prayer can be divided into 3 main sections: a. (vs.1-5) Jesus prayed for Himself b. (vs.6-19) Jesus prayed for His apostles c. (vs.20-26) Jesus prayed for all believers. Discussion: I. (vs.1-5) JESUS FIRST PRAYED FOR HIMSELF
A. As He prayed for Himself, 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 asked for the glory that was His before the world was created. D. We learn what Jesus went through to be glorified in Philippians 2:5-11. E. In praying for Himself, Jesus was actually asking for the Father's will to be done. II. (vs.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 He was leaving His apostles, Jesus made 3 requests 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" (John 8:31-32). C. After praying for Himself and His apostles, . . . III. (vs.20-26) 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 [to fulfill the Great Commission -- 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. a. 1 Corinthians 1:10 b. Ephesians 4:1-3 c. Philippians 2:1-4
