John 17

John 17 is a prayer of Jesus, imploring God on behalf of His disciples and all those who would follow Christ throughout the annals of time. Imagine that! Jesus Christ, the Son of God, praying on behalf of His current and future children. Sitting at the right hand of God the Father, those prayers continue on our behalf even now in the 21st century!

1. These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee:

2. As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him.

3. And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.

John 17:1-3, King James Version

Bible Devotions from John 17

Eternal Life - verses 1-3

Jesus has been dialoging with his disciples in the upper room; but now He began to pray. He was not only praying to the Father, but also praying aloud so the disciples could hear. As we "listen in" to his prayer we are able to learn more about Jesus' relationship with the Father, and therefore our relationship with the Father as well.

Finished - verses 4-5

Jesus said, I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do. What an amazing statement! Oh that we all, at the end of this life, could stand before our Lord and Savior and say, "I am done with the work that you have given me to do."

All Mine Are Thine - verses 6-10

In this prayer of Jesus it is evident that we are not the Lord Jesus Christ, and we are not God!

Sanctify Them - verses 11-17

Continuing the prayer of Jesus, He asked God to sanctify them (referring to His disciples), through God's Word of truth, saying they are not of this world. Was Jesus speaking of believers today as well?

One in Christ - verses 18-24

As one in Christ, we are gifts of God to the Lord Jesus Christ. How amazing is that? Knowing then that we were set apart by God from before the foundation of the world, let us live to the glory of God, seeking to fulfill all that He has created us to do.

Love of God - verses 25-26

Jesus prayed that the Love of God which was in Him would also be in us, His children. Imagine that! However, apart from Christ, we would not even begin to have the capacity or ability to love anyone, even ourselves, with the love which comes from God!