While reading through this chapter, I am flooded with lots of thoughts, lots of praise, and in awe that Jesus would pray for the disciples (17:6-18) and not only them but for us (17:20-26). I wonder if we all crossed HIS mind while praying. (just my wonder at HIS infinity) Also praying for HIM self, to return to the Glory in GOD’s presence that HE had before the world began. (17:5)
John 17 is a prayer. Jesus (God the Son) prayed to God (God the Father) for HIMself to be glorified having completed the work that HE was sent to do.
Interesting-(v.3) Now this is eternal life; that they may know you, the only true God,and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. (NIV)
Jesus prayer for the disciples is for unity (v. 11) and protection against the evil one (v.15). This is also in the prayer that Jesus modeled in “Lord’s Prayer” Matt. 6:13…”deliver us from the evil one” . In every chapter of John we see over and over HIS divinity, and the authority that God has given HIM, the power to forgive sins, and to save. At times is seems repetitious, and we must not allow the familiarity of it all to cause us to fall to complacency. HE is God the Son, and HE is man…on HIS knees praying for those the Father has given to HIM…for them to KNOW GOD, and to be with HIM, to Share in the LOVE that they have for each other and for the believer to be filled with Love. Amazing! If this isn’t enough…then Jesus prayed for me, and HE prayed for you, the believers who believe because the Gospels were written…Thank you Jesus.
A Prayer for you, by the Son of God (and yes I believe the SON gets what HE asks for)
20“I do not ask on behalf of these alone, but for those also who believe in Me through their word; 21that they may all be one; even as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me.
22“The glory which You have given Me I have given to them, that they may be one, just as We are one; 23I in them and You in Me, that they may be perfected in unity, so that the world may know that You sent Me, and loved them, even as You have loved Me. 24“Father, I desire that they also, whom You have given Me, be with Me where I am, so that they may see My glory which You have given Me, for You loved Me before the foundation of the world.
25“O righteous Father, although the world has not known You, yet I have known You; and these have known that You sent Me; 26and I have made Your name known to them, and will make it known, so that the love with which You loved Me may be in them, and I in them.”(NASB)
Oh Praise HIM! The creator of the Universe, Holy, and Pure…your creator, did not just send you off to figure this all out on your own, HE is making things clear to us through HIS spirit, and was on HIS knees for you and me…yes its that personal! Embrace it…
(for the rest of the study posts and days go here, please do read them)
ponderings of a princess... 
i believe that when Christ talked to the Father about us it was with love, care, compassion and intercession. Thats why He came to earth. I am overwhelmed at his love and grace.
Papa- I am also overwhelmed by HIS love and grace extended to me, the chief of sinners…love HIM! and YOU!
“At times is seems repetitious, and we must not allow the familiarity of it all to cause us to fall to complacency. ”
Darla: This is a very good warning and so very true. I am disgusted with how easily I am lulled into complacency by the familiar stories and words. But we must always come to it with a fresh heart, ready to receive.
For unity with one another and protection from the evil one…
Kind of needing that one now! I’m SO thankful He prays for us in this way. His intercession is continual.
Why did He pray for us to know Him? “…so that the love with which You loved Me may be in them, and I in them.”
Thanks, Darla!
Joe- I am guilty of taking things that I have studied, and skimming…and I don’t know it all 😆 I needed to be reminded!
Michelle- I think we are in need of those things too…but if we pray according to both prayer models, we may not be praying for the protection from the evil one, and it is important, as both prayers show it. Just me thinking out loud…always love your comments!
Will we join Jesus in His prayer of John 17:23, that we, His Body, would be made perfect in oneness with Christ, so that the world will know the Father sent Him?
http://www.1723initiative.org/
Thank you Marie! Exactly that we will join HIM in HIS prayer…so that the world will know God sent HIM…yes!! you have encouraged me..love the site you listed…just glance through it, but I would like to spend more time there.
“so that the love with which You loved Me may be in them, and I in them”
What a great reminder that the same love God had for Christ is also reserved for us.
Praise Him indeed !!!
Hubs- aight! now Crowders “oh Praise HIM” is in order! 😉
The beauty of this chapter is the simplicity of it. Just Jesus poring out his heart to his Father.
Good question.. I mean he did Know us then our name had to be on his mind. Man that is hard to comprehend….
Peace and love sis.
this study, reading your post, caused me to weep? on one hand – im weeping because im overwhelmed by what Jesus went through – captivated by His love and that He pleads for us…and in all of that…here we are today NOT unified.
still.
im assuming Hes talking about His children being unified with Him, in Him. if we all call ourselves followers, and are in Him – but not unified with each other then are we unified in Him? wouldnt that be disorder? and isnt God a God of order? im just thinking out loud and my fingers and thoughts are rambling. all i know is that i have a LOOOONG way to go…
and girl, youve got me thinking.
love this – love you – love your hair. (HAD to add that!)
😀
I LOVE these prayers. Some of my favorite passages. I’m so glad John wrote them down. The LOVE comes through so clearly. God loving me. wow.
Annie- I love looking at the prayers of the Bible as a whole…they all speak so much to the hearts of the one praying, and also direction as to how we should be responding and praying. I have alot to learn, I also love the prayers of Daniel while in captivity, for those who wronged him and the children of isreal…thats the heart I need more of , love ya!
Carl- my head doesn’t wrap around that either, but I believe it with all my heart…HE knew us before we were born…and HE knew we were coming, and HE knew we would sit here today reading and studying HIS word, and because of it, come closer to HIM…AMAZING!
Tam- your comment is so my heart…I don’t know for sure either…but lately I have been more convinced that all that profess are not followers, to be unified self has to die. Not that I am dead to self, but working on it…I don’t know…I just believe that HE gets what HE asks for…so at some point the unity has to happen…and then there is the unity with ourself and the Father and the son and the spirit…as in John 14…that unity we have now..they didn’t have it then..sorry if I am confusing..but I am… 😆