John: The High Priestly Prayer (Part 2)

John 17:13-26

John 13-17 is a powerful section of Scripture. These chapters include content unique to John’s Gospel. As we read this part of the Bible, it feels like we’re sitting in the Upper Room where Jesus specifically interacted with his disciples just before heading to the cross. 

In what is known as the “Upper Room Discourse” or the “Farewell Discourse,” Jesus prepares the disciples for his upcoming suffering on the cross, the resurrection, and his ascension. He consoles them with the promise of the Holy Spirit, who will be with them always. Then, before their departure to the garden where Jesus will be arrested, he prays for himself (John 17:1-5), the disciples (John 17:6-19), and future believers (John 17:20-26).

Last time, we began considering Jesus’ prayer for his disciples. Let’s pick up there.

Jesus praises God for giving him the eleven who have been with him throughout his ministry and prays for their ongoing unity and safety. Now, he emphasizes their spiritual safeguarding.

John 17:13-16
But now I am coming to you, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have my joy fulfilled in themselves. I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 

In this part of his prayer, Jesus emphasizes that he is not of this world, and those who follow him are not of this world (John 17:14, 16). Jesus prayed that God would “keep them from the evil one” (John 17:15). Jesus expressed it this way: “I have given [the disciples] your word, and the world has hated them…” (John 17:14).

The message of Jesus conflicts with that of the world. Satan, the god of this world, promotes a philosophy that appeals to our sinful desires and contains enough truth to make his deceptive offerings attractive. Our sinful hearts despise and resist God’s truth as the ultimate standard, exposing humanity’s vain and futile efforts to control our destiny and play God. Jesus prays that the remaining disciples will stay set apart from the world’s influence.

John 17:17
Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.  As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world.  And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth. 

The word translated “sanctify” is the Greek word hagiazo, which means to “consecrate” or “set apart.” God’s Word is truth, the perfect standard by which we believe and live. Jesus asked that the Father allow the disciples to be dedicated and devoted to God’s perfect truth.

Jesus mentioned earlier in John that, when we walk in the light, we practice the truth (John 3:21). Later, he said that, when his followers obey God’s Word, they will know the truth and the truth sets them free (John 8:32). Except for Judas Iscariot, the disciples understand the truth about who Jesus is and continue to obey him (John 17:8). Now, Jesus asks that “the Father set them apart in this truth as he, himself, is set apart, so that they might carry on his mission in the world after his departure.”^[1]

Often, the disciples face criticism. We focus on Peter’s denials, Thomas’ doubts, and James and John requesting positions of honor in the new kingdom. We joke about them when we hear them say, “Ah, now you are speaking plainly and not using figurative speech!” (John 16:29). Yet let’s not forget, these men were chosen by God to carry the mission and the message after Jesus’ ascension. Most of what we know about Jesus comes from these men, who witnessed and recorded his life, death, resurrection, and ascension for future generations. They documented his teachings and explained their meaning.

The world despised them for their faith. Church history records that Peter was crucified upside down in Rome. Andrew was crucified on an X-shaped cross in Greece. James was beheaded (Acts 12:1-2). Philip was martyred in what is now Turkey. Bartholomew was flayed alive in India or Armenia. Matthew was martyred in Ethiopia or Persia. Thomas was speared to death in India. Thaddeus was beaten or axed to death in Persia. Simon the Zealot and Jude were both martyred in Persia. 

Jesus prayed that God would set them apart to carry the message and continue the mission he started through his life, death, and resurrection. Jesus said that we will believe today through the testimony of the disciples (John 17:20).

After praying for the disciples, Jesus turns his attention to us.

John 17:20-26
I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just 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 have sent me. The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me. Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world. O righteous Father, even though the world does not know you, I know you, and these know that you have sent me.  I made known to them your name, and I will continue to make it known, that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them. 

Jesus’ prayer for future believers is that they may be united and demonstrate their love-based unity as a testament to the world. He asks that we show God's love and share his greatness with others. Additionally, he prays that we will be with him forever. 

Jesus finished his prayer and stepped into the night. Soon, he would be arrested, questioned, ridiculed, and falsely accused during mock trials. The crowd that once worshiped him would turn against him. Additionally, he would be stripped, beaten, and nailed to a cross as a criminal, bearing the full wrath of God for humanity’s sin. 

He did all of that so we could be with him forever. 

PERSONAL TIME WITH GOD
Time in the Word: Read and reflect on John 17:13-26.  Focus on Jesus’ prayer for us (John 17:20-26). What stands out for you in that prayer?

Talking to God:  Do you live with the awareness that Jesus not only died for you, but longs to be with you?

Have Questions?
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