Bible Passage: John 17
Study Notes
- Prayed for Himself.
- Prayed for the Disciples.
- Prayed for You
This is what I call the holy grail of the New Testament
We call “our father which art in Heaven…” the Lord prayer but really it’s the disciples
prayer.
John 17 is the intimate prayer between the father God and His son. Jesus often prays
but this one is recorded.
Some things in life are private like changing clothes, showers, prayers and confessions.
Here we get a glimpse into the secret chamber of the holy of holies!
Moses when he had that encounter with a bush that never burned he removed his
shoes.
You are Gods gift to Jesus
290 times the world is used
In 9 verses 12 times - One of the most encouraging experiences as a Christian is to be prayed for by
someone else – and not only prayed for but prayed with. When someone prays for you
in your presence, something special happens in your heart: you feel warmed and
encouraged. There’s a sense of intimacy, both between you and the other person and
between you and God. It’s like you’re knocking on heaven’s doors together. It is one of
the best ways to build relationships between Christians and one of the surest ways of
ensuring unity in the church. It’s pretty hard for division to exist and take hold when
people are praying together. Have you had that experience? While we do have to pray
for one another, I believe firmly that we ought to pray with one another more. - It is one thing for us to pray for and with one another – to bring our brothers and
sisters in Christ before the Lord in prayer – but it is quite another to realize that in Jesus
we have someone interceding on our behalf. Do you know that Jesus prays for you? Do
you know that he goes to the Father on your behalf and on our behalf? Listen to these
words from Hebrews 7: 25: “Consequently he is able for all time to save those who
approach God through him since he always lives to make intercession for them.”
Romans 8: 34 says something very similar: “It is Christ Jesus, who died, yes, who was
raised, who is at the right hand of God, who indeed intercedes for us.”
Illustration: The early Native Indians had a unique practice of training young men. On
the night of a boy’s thirteenth birthday, after learning hunting, scouting, and fishing
skills, he was put to one final test. He was placed in a dense forest to spend the entire
night alone. Until then, he had never been away from the security of the family and the
tribe. But on this night, he was blindfolded and taken several miles away. When he took
off the blindfold, he was in the middle of thick woods and he was terrified! Every time
a twig snapped, he visualized a wild animal ready to pounce. After what seemed like an
eternity, dawn broke and the first rays of sunlight entered the interior of the forest.
Looking around, the boy saw flowers, trees, and the outline of the path. Then, to his
utter astonishment, he beheld the figure of a man standing just a few feet away, armed
with a bow and arrow. It was his father. He had been there all night long.
There are approximately 17 references in the Gospels to Jesus and His prayer life. He
is showing us in the scriptures just how important communication with the Father really
is.
• He prayed often, He prayed early in the morning, late at night, all through the night.
• He prayed before critical events in His life.
• He prayed as He ministered to others.
• He prayed before His miracles.
• And He prayed for others.
If communicating with the Father was that important to Jesus, shouldn’t it be a priority
for us?
When did Jesus Pray:
Early in the Morning (KJV Mark 1:35) - And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed
into a solitary place, and there prayed.
Late at Night (KJV Luke 6:12) - And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and
continued all night in prayer to God.
Often (KJV Luke 5:16) - And he withdrew himself into the wilderness and prayed.
Naturally (KJV Luke 22:39, 40) - And he came out, and went, as he was wont, to the mount of Olives; and his
disciples also followed him. 40. And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray
that ye enter not into temptation.
Critical Moments
At critical moments in your life, what do you do? Jesus prayed! From the beginning of
His public ministry to the end, Jesus prayed at every critical moment of His life.
Jesus prayed at the beginning of His ministry. . .
(KJV Luke 3:21-22) - Now when all the people were baptized, it came to pass, that Jesus also being
baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened, 22. And the Holy Ghost descended in
a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou
art my beloved Son; in thee, I am well pleased.
Jesus prayed before He chose the men who would carry on His ministry after his
death. . .
(KJV Luke 6:12-13) - And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and
continued all night in prayer to God. 13. And when it was day, he called unto him his
disciples: and of them, he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles;
Jesus prayed before the confession that He was the Christ. . .
(KJV Luke 9:18-20) - And it came to pass, as he was alone praying, his disciples were with him: and he
asked them, saying, Whom say the people that I am? 19. They answering said, John
the Baptist; but some say, Elias; and others say, that one of the old prophets has risen
again. 20. He said unto them, But whom say ye that I am? Peter answering said, The
Christ of God.
Jesus prayed before His Transfiguration . . .
(KJV Luke 9:28-29) - And it came to pass about eight days after these sayings, he took Peter and
John and James, and went up into a mountain to pray. 29. And as he prayed, the
fashion of his countenance was altered, and his raiment was white and glistering.
Jesus prayed before the cross . . .
(KJV Luke 22:39-42) - And he came out, and went, as he was wont, to the mount of Olives; and his
disciples also followed him. 40. And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray
that ye enter not into temptation. 41. And he was withdrawn from them about a stone’s
cast, and kneeled down, and prayed 42. Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this
cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.
Jesus prayed on the cross . . .
(KJV Luke 23:34) - Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they
parted his raiment, and cast lots.
Prayer and Ministry:
When God gives you an opportunity to serve Him what do you do first? Jesus prayed!
From the beginning of His public ministry to the end, Jesus demonstrated dependence
upon His Father by praying before, during, and after He ministered to people.
Jesus prayed before He began His public ministry. . .
(KJV Luke 3:21-22) - Now when all the people were baptized, it came to pass, that Jesus also being
baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened, 22. And the Holy Ghost descended in
a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou
art my beloved Son; in thee, I am well pleased.
Jesus prayed before He taught His followers. . .
(KJV Luke 11:1) - And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one
of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.
He prayed while He was teaching others. . .
(KJV Matthew 11:25-26)
