Jesus’ Prayer

Sermon Notes:

In John 17, who does Jesus pray for and what does He pray for?

1. Jesus prays for Himself. (John 17:1-5)
2. Jesus prays for the fullness of His glory to return to Him. (John: 17:5)
3. Jesus prays for the disciples’ protection. (John 17: 11-17)

How are the disciples to be protected?

4. The disciples are protected by the power of God’s name in Jesus. (John 17:11)
5. The disciples are protected by the power of the Word of God. (John 17:17, Ephesians 6:17, Hebrews 4:12)

What does Jesus continue to pray for?

6. Jesus prays for all believers. (John 17:20-26)
7. Jesus prays for our oneness with God and oneness with each other. (John 17:20-23)

Follow-up questions from Sunday’s Message:

Getting to Know You:

What is your favorite fast food restaurant?

Quick Review:
Looking back at your notes from this week’s teaching, was there anything you heard for the first time or that caught your attention, challenged, or confused you?

Digging Deeper:

1. Read John 17:1-26. How are your prayers for others like and unlike Jesus’ prayer?  What can you learn and apply to your prayer skills from Jesus’ prayer in this chapter?
2. Read John 17:5, Mk 9:2-3, Lk 2:9, Rev 21:22-23. In Jesus’ prayer, He says that He is looking forward to having His glory back.  When you think of glory, what do you think of?  What do you think a good definition is?
3. Read Proverbs 18:10, Luke 10:17, John 17:11. What do you think the Scriptures mean when it talks about the name of God?  How would you explain the power of the “name” of the Lord?
4. Read Exodus 20:7. What do you think it means to take the Lord’s name in vain? Why do you think God is so upset with this sin?
5. Read John 8:42-45, John 17:15-17. What do we learn about the nature of Satan in John 8?  If Satan could get us to believe a lie, could he control our lives?  If so how?  Can you think of examples of this today?  Please share.  Do you feel you were ever controlled by a lie in your life? Please share.
6. Read John 8:32, John 14:6, John 17:17. Jesus says that truth will set people free, that He is the truth, and that the “Word” sanctifies (sets people apart) in truth.  How have you experienced this in your faith journey with Jesus?
7. Read John 17:20-23.  What do you think Jesus is talking about when He speaks of oneness and unity with believers?  Where have you seen this at work?
8. Have you ever heard the saying, “In essentials unity, in non-essentials liberty, in all things charity?” What do you think this means and how do you think it could apply to what Jesus is talking about in John 17?

Taking it Home:

What is one thing you can apply to your life from this message and how can this group remember you in prayer this week?