The Divine Intercession: Jesus Prays for His Own

John 17 is a profound display of Jesus' love and concern for His followers. His prayer provides encouragement for believers, both in the unity He desires for us and in His intercession on our behalf. Through Jesus' words, we gain insights into the divine relationship between the Father and the Son and the purpose of Jesus' mission on earth. The High Priestly Prayer leaves us with an invitation to deeper unity, faith, and love in our journey with Christ.

Verses 1-5: Jesus Prays for Himself

Jesus opens His prayer by acknowledging His divine mission and the glory of the Father. He speaks of His authority over all humanity and His role in offering eternal life, bringing glory to the Father through His mission.

Verses 6-19: Jesus Prays for His Disciples

Jesus shifts His prayer to His disciples, praying for their protection, unity, joy, and sanctification. He affirms that He has revealed God to them, and prays for their protection in the world after His departure.

Verses 20-26: Jesus Prays for All Believers

Finally, Jesus prays for all those who will come to believe in Him through the disciples' message. He prays for unity among future believers, that they would share the divine unity He experiences with the Father. He also prays that future believers would witness His glory.

John 17 offers an intimate look at the depth of Jesus' prayer life and His concern for believers. Here, Jesus prays to God the Father, demonstrating His divine nature and His unity with the Father. This chapter is often called "The High Priestly Prayer," as it captures Jesus' heartfelt intercession for Himself, His disciples, and all future believers.

Jesus' relationship with the Father
Unity among believers
The mission and glory of Jesus
Protection and sanctification of believers
Love and eternal lifeJesus praying for Himself
Jesus praying for His disciples
Jesus praying for future believers
Unity in the church
The eternal glory of JesusJesus Christ
The Disciples
God the Father
Future believersNot specified, but likely a quiet location in Jerusalem before Jesus' arrest

1. What do we learn about Jesus' relationship with God the Father in this prayer?

2. What does Jesus' prayer for His disciples reveal about His love and concern for them?

3. How can we apply Jesus' prayer for unity among believers to our relationships in the church today?

4. What does Jesus' prayer for future believers tell us about His vision for the church?

5. How does Jesus' request for the Father to "glorify your Son" challenge our understanding of glory?

6. How does this chapter influence your perspective on the purpose and power of prayer?

7. How does Jesus define "eternal life" in His prayer?

8. In what ways does Jesus' prayer inspire you to pray for others in your life?

9. What does it mean to be "sanctified by the truth" as Jesus prays for His disciples?

10. How does Jesus' prayer for His own glory impact your understanding of His mission?

11. How should the unity Jesus prays for among believers affect our behavior within the Christian community?

12. How does Jesus' concern for His disciples' protection apply to us as believers today?

13. How can we emulate Jesus' model of intercessory prayer in our own prayer lives?

14. How does Jesus' prayer in John 17 impact your understanding of your identity as a believer?

15. In the face of trials or hardships, how does knowing Jesus prayed for you give you comfort or strength?

16. How should Jesus' desire for unity among believers influence our attitudes toward church divisions or denominational differences?

17. How does Jesus' statement about His authority over all people affect your view of His divinity?

18. How does knowing Jesus prayed for future believers to witness His glory inspire your hope for eternal life?

19. In what ways does Jesus' prayer reveal the heart of His mission on earth?

20. How can we live out the unity Jesus prayed for in our daily interactions with other believers?