The High Priestly Prayer - Pt. 2

Sunday Service

John 17:1-26

In Jesus’ high priestly prayer, He presented SIX PRAYER REQUESTS for His followers that reveal His SIX PRIORITIES for His followers.

1. COMPREHENSION/RECEPTION (vv. 6-10)
This is an implied request in that Jesus described the subjects of His prayer to God the Father. He explained why He was confident that the Father would grant His request and showed His disciples what God the Father is like (John 1:14). Jesus then prayed for those who had been given to Him by the Father. This is the church, and the bride of Christ (John 6:37, 10:27; Ephesians 1:4), which is comprised of those who have repented of their sins and believe the Gospel (Acts 18:10; 2 Corinthians 5:10).

2. PROTECTION/PRESERVATION (vv. 11-16)
This is a more specific prayer request by Jesus to God the Father. Jesus was about to leave the world, so He prayer that the Father would then watch over His disciples and protect them. He also prayed that His disciples would remain united as one, just as He and the Father (as members of the Trinity) are united as one. God intends that we grow and thrive within the body of Christ (Hebrews 3:12, 10:24).

3. SANCTIFICATION/DEDICATION (vv. 17-19)
Only God’s chosen bear the fruits of salvation and sanctification (John 13:11). Jesus has promised never to lose any of those who have been given to Him by the Father (1 John 2:19). As such, those who profess to be believers but are not actually saved are not among those who Jesus intercedes for in heaven (John 15:11).

Thank God for entrusting you with the privilege and responsibility of being salt and light on this earth. Ask Him to help you infiltrate the world rather than isolate yourself from it and grant you the Christlike balance of remaining separate from sinners while at the same time remaining a friend of sinners.