John 17 Commentary
Jesus’ prayer is said in plain human language yet it is nearly impossible to understand! The worshipper, Jesus, stands in a delicate position of both the Son of God and the Son of Man. It is both a report and a requisition form. It is also both a lecture and a supplication. The El-Shaddai God is the audience. But the disciples are also part of the audience. Verse 13.
The prayer expresses the heart of God for humanity. It also states the world’s condition in which Jesus leaves His disciples.
Don’t repeat it. Don’t duplicate it. You are not Jesus. You can see this prayer is different from the model prayer in Matthew 6. No need for repentance because the petitioner is perfect. No need for “daily bread” because the petitioner has never needed bread. It helps our understanding to see this prayer in the light of the entire ministry of the LORD Jesus Christ.
Work is completed. Verse 4. Is it the recreation work? Has our hero disarmed the enemy? Do we now have eternal life? Is the curse of death banished for good? Regardless, the report is clear: Job done!
Verse 5. Deity transcends time and space as we know them. God and His Son Jesus existed before the material world we know. Impossible things for our human tools of logic! Jesus created time and space – the material world as our home. John Chapter 1.
We belong to God. Glory goes to God through us. Jesus glorifies the Father through us. Heavy items!
We need protection from the evil one. Verse 11.
The Word sanctifies. Verse 17. Jesus’ mission now rests on the disciples. Verse 18. Does it mean the work wasn’t finished? Impossible items to understand! Whatever the LORD means!
The ministry of love continues in the Body of Christ. It holds all the pieces together. Check Chapter 3 verse 16. The same love or a piece of it must flow through our veins.
Jesus wants us to be together, wherever He is. The saint’s wish to spend eternity in the presence of Jesus isn’t unfounded. We know the Father answered Jesus’ prayer. It is a done deal!
The last section concerns God’s love for Jesus resting on the disciples – another sacredly heavy statement! But regardless, thank you, LORD.
More resources visit http://www.lovingscripture.com
LOVING SCRIPTURE 