Grasping the text

Read John 17:1-5

1. Jesus begins His prayer with the words, “Father, the time has come.” This statement sets the tone for the rest of the chapter. To what time is Jesus referring?

2. The words glory and glorify are used 5 times in these 5 verses. Look at each use of these words and think about who is being glorified, how and why.

Applying the text

3. This text has a lot to say about the role Jesus plays in God’s plan (and His role is incredibly important). Reflect on who Jesus is and the position He holds.

4. Jesus does not say eternal life is to know about God and Jesus Christ. Rather He says eternal life is to know Them. Knowing someone implies a relationship. Do you have eternal life according to this text?

5. Twice in this text Jesus talks about bringing glory to God. How concerned are you with God’s glory? Does bringing God glory motivate you as it did Jesus?

Journaling

Grasping the text

Read John 17:6-10

1. What does Jesus mean when He says He has revealed God to those God gave Him? What is the significance of this statement in light of verse 3?

2. Mark or jot down every time Jesus talks about receiving something from God. In verse 10 Jesus says, “All I have is Yours…” Reflect on Jesus’ dependence toward God.

3. In the second half of verse 10 Jesus says, “…all You have is Mine.” So who has ownership, the Father or Jesus? What does this reveal about Their relationship?

Applying the text

4. Read verses 6-8 again and note how highly

Jesus spoke of the disciple’s obedience and faith. Reading Jesus’ assessment you would never guess they had such knuckle head moments as they did. First review some of the disciples best and worst moments: Matthew 16:5-23, Mark 9:33-35, Mark 14:32-42, Luke 22:54-62, John 6:66-69. Now reflect on the extraordinary patience Jesus has with His followers.

Journaling

Grasping the text

Read John 17:11-13

1. What is the significance of the Father’s name in this passage?

2. What reason does Jesus give for Judas being doomed to destruction? Do you consider it a valid reason? Why or why not?

Applying the text

3. Jesus asks God to protect the disciples. What do they need to be protected from? Do you pray along these lines for yourself or your friends?

4. Jesus prays for His disciples so that they may have “the full measure of My joy within them.” Is this joy only for the disciples, or is it available to us also? Are you experiencing the full measure of His joy?

Journaling

Grasping the text

Read John 17:14-19

1. Research the use of the term “world” in John’s writings (or at least read 1 John 2:15-17). What is the world?

2. The word “sanctify” means to separate or set apart for a specific use. How were the disciples to be sanctified?

3. Why does Jesus need to sanctify Himself? Hasn’t He always been sanctified?

Hint: remember sanctify means to set apart for a specific use.

Applying the text

4. Jesus insists that His disciples are not of the world. Rather they are to be sanctified. How are you doing with being separate from the world? Remembering your answer to question 2, what could you do to become more truly sanctified? Do you care enough to take that step?

5. Reflect on how much it cost Jesus to sanctify Himself. He did this so that “they [His disciples] too may be truly sanctified.” Consider the depth of Jesus sacrifice so that you could experience true sanctification.

Journaling

Grasping the text

Read John 17:20-26

1. What will be the result if believers are one, as Jesus prays that they will be?

2. Jesus has given us the same glory that God gave Him. Wow. Spend some time letting that truth soak in.

Applying the text

3. The primary request that Jesus makes in this text for all believers is for our unity. How much does unity matter to you? When a fellow Christian wrongs you, hurts you or is just hard to get along with, do your actions show that you value unity?

4. In verse 26 Jesus says, “I have made You known to them…” Consider the implications of this statement in light of verse 3 and the rest of verse 26.

Journaling

Chapter 17

The 17^th chapter of John is a prayer of Jesus (His longest recorded prayer in the Bible). It is helpful to consider the context of this prayer. Jesus has just been discussing with His disciples the difficult times awaiting them. Also, Jesus anticipates His immanent death. The focus begins with His role in God’s plan. He then prays specifically for the 11 disciples (Judas has already betrayed Him). Finally He prays for all believers, not just those in the present, but throughout the future as well.