John 17: Prayers for the Son, Disciples, and Believers

Prayer for the Son

1 When Jesus had spoken these things, He lifted up His eyes to heaven and said, “Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son may glorify You. 2 For You granted Him authority over all people,a so that He may give eternal life to all those You have given Him. 3 Now this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom You have sent. 4 I have glorified You on earth by accomplishing the work You gave Me to do. 5 And now, Father, glorify Me in Your presence with the glory I had with You before the world existed.

Prayer for the Disciples

6 I have revealed Your name to those You have given Me out of the world. They were Yours; You gave them to Me, and they have kept Your word. 7 Now they know that everything You have given Me comes from You. 8 For I have given them the words You gave Me, and they have received them. They knew with certainty that I came from You, and they believed that You sent Me.

9 I ask on their behalf. I do not ask on behalf of the world, but on behalf of those You have given Me; for they are Yours. 10 All I have is Yours, and all You have is Mine; and in them I have been glorified. 11 I will no longer be in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to You.

Holy Father, protect them by Your name, the name You gave Me,b so that they may be one as We are one. 12 While I was with them, I protected and preserved them by Your name, the name You gave Me. Not one of them has been lost, except the son of destruction, so that the Scripture would be fulfilled.

13 But now I am coming to You; and I am saying these things while I am in the world, so that they may have My joy fulfilled within them. 14 I have given them Your word and the world has hated them. For they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.

15 I am not asking that You take them out of the world, but that You keep them from the evil one.c 16 They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 17 Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth. 18 As You sent Me into the world, I have also sent them into the world. 19 For them I sanctify Myself, so that they too may be sanctified by the truth.

Prayer for All Believers

20 I am not asking on behalf of them alone, but also on behalf of those who will believe in Me through their message, 21 that all of them may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I am in You. May they also be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me.

22 I have given them the glory You gave Me, so that they may be one as We are one— 23 I in them and You in Me—that they may be perfectly united, so that the world may know that You sent Me and have loved them just as You have loved Me.

24 Father, I want those You have given Me to be with Me where I am, that they may see the glory You gave Me because You loved Me before the foundation of the world.

25 Righteous Father, although the world has not known You, I know You, and they know that You sent Me. 26 And I have made Your name known to them and will continue to make it known, so that the love You have for Me may be in them, and I in them.”

John 17 Summary

Unity in the Body of Christ
Ephesians 4:3-6 emphasizes the importance of maintaining unity in the Spirit.

Sanctification through the Word
Psalm 119:105 highlights the guiding power of God's Word.

Eternal Life through Knowing God
Philippians 3:10 expresses the desire to know Christ and the power of His resurrection. Jesus' Prayer for Himself (John 17:1-5)
Jesus begins by asking the Father to glorify Him so that He may glorify the Father. This mutual glorification highlights the divine relationship and purpose of Jesus' mission.
Now this is eternal life: that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom You have sent (John 17:3). Eternal life is defined as knowing God and Jesus intimately.

Jesus' Prayer for His Disciples (John 17:6-19)
Jesus acknowledges that His disciples have kept God's word and prays for their protection from the evil one.
He asks for their sanctification through the truth, stating, Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth (John 17:17).

Jesus' Prayer for All Believers (John 17:20-26)
Jesus extends His prayer to all future believers, emphasizing unity: that all of them may be one, Father, just as You are in Me and I am in You (John 17:21).
He desires that believers experience the same love and unity that exists between Him and the Father. Pursue Intimacy with God
Seek to know God and Jesus more deeply, as this is the essence of eternal life.

Embrace Unity
Strive for unity within the body of Christ, reflecting the oneness that Jesus prayed for.

Live in Truth
Allow God's Word to sanctify and guide your life, recognizing it as the ultimate truth.

Pray for Protection
Regularly pray for protection from spiritual attacks, just as Jesus prayed for His disciples. 1. Jesus Christ
Jesus is the central figure in this chapter, offering a prayer to the Father. He speaks of His mission, the glory He shares with the Father, and His desire for unity among His followers. In the original Greek, "Jesus" (Ἰησοῦς, Iēsous) is the Greek form of the Hebrew name "Yeshua," meaning "Yahweh is salvation."

2. God the Father
Referred to simply as "Father" throughout the chapter, God the Father is the one to whom Jesus directs His prayer. The Greek word used is "Πατήρ" (Patēr), emphasizing the intimate and relational aspect of God as Father.

3. The Disciples
Jesus prays specifically for His disciples, those whom the Father has given Him. He asks for their protection and sanctification. The term "disciples" (μαθηταί, mathētai) in Greek refers to learners or followers, highlighting their role as students of Jesus.

4. The World
While not a person, "the world" is mentioned as the realm that is distinct from the followers of Jesus. Jesus prays for His disciples' protection from the evil in the world. The Greek term "κόσμος" (kosmos) is used, often referring to the secular world system opposed to God.

5. Future Believers
Jesus extends His prayer to include all who will believe in Him through the message of the disciples. This group is not named individually but is significant as it encompasses all future Christians. The Greek phrase "πιστεύω" (pisteuō) is used, meaning "to believe" or "to have faith." John 17, often referred to as the High Priestly Prayer, is a chapter in the New Testament where Jesus prays to the Father. In this chapter, there are no specific geographical places mentioned. Instead, the focus is on spiritual themes and Jesus' relationship with the Father and His disciples. Therefore, a numbered list of physical places is not applicable to this chapter. However, if you are interested in a thematic or conceptual analysis, I can provide insights into the spiritual "places" or themes discussed in John 17. Let me know if you would like that information! 1. Jesus Prays for Himself (John 17:1-5)
Jesus begins His prayer by addressing the Father, asking to be glorified so that He may glorify the Father. He acknowledges the authority given to Him over all flesh to grant eternal life. Jesus defines eternal life as knowing the only true God and Jesus Christ whom He has sent. He speaks of having glorified the Father on earth and completing the work given to Him.

2. Jesus Prays for His Disciples (John 17:6-19)
Jesus prays specifically for His disciples, whom He has revealed the Father’s name to. He acknowledges that they have kept the word and believed that He came from the Father. Jesus asks for their protection in the Father’s name, unity, and joy. He prays for their sanctification by the truth, which is the word of God. The Greek word for "sanctify" (ἁγιάζω, hagiazō) implies setting apart for holy purposes.

3. Jesus Prays for All Believers (John 17:20-26)
Jesus extends His prayer to all who will believe in Him through the disciples' message. He prays for unity among all believers, just as He is one with the Father. This unity is meant to be a testimony to the world of Jesus’ divine mission. Jesus desires that believers be with Him to see His glory, which the Father has given Him. He concludes by expressing His desire for the love of the Father to be in them and for Himself to be in them.

1. The Power of Unity in Christ
In John 17, Jesus prays for the unity of all believers, emphasizing that our oneness reflects the unity between Him and the Father. "That they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You" (John 17:21). This unity is not just a nice idea; it's a powerful testimony to the world of God's love and truth. When we work together in harmony, we demonstrate the transformative power of the Gospel.

2. Eternal Life Defined
Jesus provides a clear definition of eternal life in this chapter: "Now this is eternal life: that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom You have sent" (John 17:3). Eternal life isn't just about living forever; it's about a deep, personal relationship with God. This relationship starts now and continues into eternity, offering us a life full of purpose and joy.

3. The Glory of God Revealed
Jesus speaks of the glory given to Him by the Father and His desire to share it with us: "I have given them the glory You gave Me" (John 17:22). This glory is not about fame or fortune but about reflecting God's character and love. As we grow in our faith, we become more like Christ, shining His light in a dark world.

4. The Importance of Truth
In His prayer, Jesus asks the Father to sanctify His followers by the truth, stating, "Your word is truth" (John 17:17). The Bible is our ultimate guide, providing wisdom and direction for our lives. By immersing ourselves in Scripture, we align our hearts with God's will and are equipped to navigate life's challenges.

5. Jesus' Intercession for Believers
One of the most comforting aspects of John 17 is knowing that Jesus prays for us. "I am not praying for the world, but for those You have given Me" (John 17:9). Jesus, our High Priest, continually intercedes on our behalf, ensuring that we are supported and strengthened in our faith journey.

6. Protection from Evil
Jesus prays for our protection, asking the Father to keep us safe from the evil one: "I am not asking that You take them out of the world, but that You keep them from the evil one" (John 17:15). While we live in a world full of challenges, we can trust in God's protection and guidance, knowing that He is always with us.

7. The Mission of Believers
Jesus sends us into the world with a purpose: "As You sent Me into the world, I have also sent them into the world" (John 17:18). We are called to be His ambassadors, sharing the Good News and making disciples. Our mission is to live out our faith boldly, impacting those around us with the love of Christ.

8. The Joy of Jesus
Jesus desires that His joy be fulfilled in us: "So that they may have My joy fulfilled within them" (John 17:13). This joy is not dependent on circumstances but is rooted in our relationship with Him. As we abide in Christ, we experience a deep, abiding joy that transcends life's trials.

9. The Sanctification Process
Sanctification is a key theme in John 17, as Jesus prays for our growth in holiness: "Sanctify them by the truth" (John 17:17). This process involves becoming more like Christ, setting us apart for God's purposes. Through the Holy Spirit, we are continually transformed, reflecting His character in our daily lives.

10. The Love of God
Finally, Jesus highlights the profound love of God: "I have made Your name known to them, and will continue to make it known, so that the love You have for Me may be in them" (John 17:26). This love is the foundation of our faith, motivating us to love others and live out the Gospel. As we embrace God's love, we are empowered to share it with the world.

1. Jesus Prays for Himself (John 17:1-5)
Jesus begins His prayer by addressing the Father, asking to be glorified so that He may glorify the Father. This section emphasizes the pre-existence and divine mission of Jesus, as He speaks of the glory He shared with the Father "before the world existed" (John 17:5). The Greek word for "glory" (δόξα, doxa) is significant, indicating honor and divine majesty.

2. Jesus Prays for His Disciples (John 17:6-19)
Jesus shifts His focus to His disciples, praying for their protection and sanctification. He acknowledges that they have kept His word and prays for their unity and joy. The term "sanctify" (ἁγιάζω, hagiazō) in verse 17, meaning to set apart for holy purposes, underscores the call for the disciples to be distinct from the world.

3. Jesus Prays for All Believers (John 17:20-26)
Jesus extends His prayer to all future believers, emphasizing unity among them. He prays that they may be one, just as He and the Father are one, highlighting the importance of unity in the body of Christ. The Greek word for "one" (ἕν, hen) in verse 21 signifies a profound spiritual unity and oneness in purpose and mission.

Each section of this chapter reflects Jesus' deep intercessory prayer, revealing His heart for His mission, His disciples, and all who would come to believe in Him through their message. 1. Glorification of the Son and the Father
Jesus begins His prayer by asking the Father to glorify Him so that He may glorify the Father. This mutual glorification highlights the divine relationship and purpose.
^“Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son may glorify You.”^ (John 17:1)
The Greek word for "glorify" (δοξάζω, doxazō) implies honoring and exalting, reflecting the divine nature and mission of Jesus.

2. Eternal Life through Knowing God
Jesus defines eternal life as knowing the only true God and Jesus Christ whom He has sent. This emphasizes the relational aspect of salvation.
^“Now this is eternal life: that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom You have sent.”^ (John 17:3)
The Greek word for "know" (γινώσκω, ginōskō) suggests an intimate, experiential knowledge rather than mere intellectual understanding.

3. Completion of Jesus’ Earthly Mission
Jesus speaks of having completed the work given to Him by the Father, underscoring His obedience and fulfillment of His earthly mission.
^“I have glorified You on earth by accomplishing the work You gave Me to do.”^ (John 17:4)
The term "accomplishing" (τελειόω, teleioō) in Greek conveys the idea of bringing to completion or perfection.

4. Revelation of God’s Name
Jesus has revealed the Father’s name to His disciples, indicating the disclosure of God’s character and nature.
^“I have revealed Your name to those You have given Me out of the world.”^ (John 17:6)
In Hebrew thought, a name represents the essence and authority of a person, thus revealing God’s name signifies making His nature known.

5. Unity Among Believers
Jesus prays for the unity of His followers, reflecting the unity between the Father and the Son. This unity is a testimony to the world of Jesus’ divine mission.
^“Holy Father, protect them by Your name, the name You gave Me, so that they may be one as We are one.”^ (John 17:11)
The Greek word for "one" (ἕν, hen) emphasizes singularity and unity in purpose and essence.

6. Protection from the Evil One
Jesus asks for the protection of His disciples from the evil one, highlighting the spiritual battle and the need for divine safeguarding.
^“I am not asking that You take them out of the world, but that You keep them from the evil one.”^ (John 17:15)
The Greek term for "keep" (τηρέω, tēreō) implies guarding or preserving.

7. Sanctification through Truth
Jesus prays for the sanctification of His disciples through the truth, which is God’s word. This theme underscores the transformative power of divine truth.
^“Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth.”^ (John 17:17)
The Greek word for "sanctify" (ἁγιάζω, hagiazō) means to set apart for holy purposes.

8. Mission of the Disciples
Jesus sends His disciples into the world just as the Father sent Him, indicating the continuation of His mission through them.
^“As You sent Me into the world, I have also sent them into the world.”^ (John 17:18)
The Greek verb "sent" (ἀποστέλλω, apostellō) conveys the idea of being commissioned with authority.

9. Future Believers and Unity
Jesus extends His prayer to future believers, emphasizing the importance of unity among all who will come to faith through the disciples’ message.
^“I am not asking on behalf of them alone, but also on behalf of those who will believe in Me through their message.”^ (John 17:20)
This theme highlights the ongoing impact of the disciples’ witness and the inclusive nature of Jesus’ prayer.

10. The Love of the Father and the Son
Jesus concludes by expressing the desire for believers to experience the love that exists between the Father and the Son, which is to be in them.
^“I have made Your name known to them, and will continue to make it known, so that the love You have for Me may be in them, and I in them.”^ (John 17:26)
The Greek word for "love" (ἀγάπη, agapē) denotes selfless, sacrificial love, central to the Christian faith. Glorification of God
Pray that your life would glorify God in all that you do.

Unity Among Believers
Ask God to foster unity and love within your church and the global body of Christ.

Sanctification and Truth
Pray for a deeper understanding and application of God's Word in your life.

Protection from Evil
Seek God's protection over yourself and fellow believers from the schemes of the enemy.

As we reflect on John 17, may we be inspired to live out the truths Jesus prayed for, growing in unity, sanctification, and love.

1. In John 17:5, how can Jesus claim to share glory “before the world existed” if science shows the universe had a singular origin billions of years ago?

2. In John 17:6, why would an omnipresent God reveal Himself only to a select few, rather than all people globally?

3. In John 17:12, how does losing only the “son of perdition” align with texts suggesting God desires everyone to be saved?

4. In John 17:14, Jesus says His followers are hated by the world, yet John 3:16 says God loves the world—how can these views be reconciled?

5. Is there any historical or archaeological evidence that John 17’s prayer was documented by eyewitnesses, or is it purely a theological construct?

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?