11.5 Jesus’ Prayer
Jesus’ Prayer: Unity in Love and Truth

Read John 17:1–26. What words or phrases in this chapter express Jesus’ desire for a close love relationship between Him, the Father, and His disciples?

The high priestly prayer of Jesus in John 17 is a profound and moving chapter that reveals the intimate relationship between Jesus, the Father, and His disciples. It provides insights into Jesus’ heartfelt desire: the unity, love, and truth that should characterize God’s kingdom.

1. Jesus’ Desire for a Love Relationship Between God and His Disciples

In this prayer, Jesus repeatedly expresses His desire for His disciples to experience the same close relationship with the Father that He Himself has. This is evident in words and phrases like “that they may be one, as we are one” (John 17:11) and “that the love with which You loved Me may be in them” (v. 26). This unity is not superficial but is rooted in God’s love.

2. The Connection Between Love and Truth

Jesus emphasizes that true unity can only exist on the foundation of truth. He says, “Sanctify them by the truth! Your word is truth” (John 17:17). The revelation of the Father and the proclamation of truth are central elements of Jesus’ ministry. He took great pains to convey a clear picture of God because He knew that misunderstandings about God could hinder a genuine relationship with Him.

3. Eternal Life Through Knowing the Father

Jesus defines eternal life as knowing “the only true God” (John 17:3). This knowledge is not merely intellectual agreement but a deep personal relationship. It is the foundation upon which love, unity, and devotion can grow.

4. Jesus’ Example of Devotion

The prayer also shows that Jesus was willing to give everything to fulfill the Father’s will. His life was marked by obedience, sacrifice, and love for those He sought to save—even those who rejected Him. This devotion serves as a model for us and a call to live out our faith with the same seriousness and love.

Significance for Our Lives Today:

1. Unity in Love and Truth

• Connection:
  Jesus’ prayer reminds us that genuine unity in the community can only arise through the combination of love and truth. It encourages us to uphold the truth of God’s Word and build our relationships on love and forgiveness.

• Practical:
  In everyday life, we can live in unity with others through forgiveness, compassion, and holding firmly to God’s truth. This is especially relevant in the church, where we work together as members of the body of Christ.

2. Knowing God as the Goal of Life

• Connection:
  Jesus defines eternal life as a personal relationship with God (John 17:3). This knowledge begins here and now and fills our lives with meaning and hope.

• Practical:
  We can deepen our relationship with God by spending time in prayer and Bible study and consciously seeking His guidance in our lives.

3. Discipleship in Devotion

• Connection:
  Jesus’ devotion to the Father’s will is a model for our discipleship. His prayer shows that our lives should be oriented toward obedience and love for God, even when it involves difficulties or sacrifices.

• Practical:
  We can intentionally ask ourselves how we can follow God’s will in our daily lives—whether through the decisions we make or our behavior toward others.

4. Sharing in God’s Mission

• Connection:
  Jesus prayed not only for His disciples but also for those who would believe in Him through their testimony (John 17:20). This shows that we are part of God’s greater plan to spread His love and truth in the world.

• Practical:
  We can share our faith stories with others, be a light in both small and significant moments, and recognize that God works through us.

5. Strength in Difficult Times

• Connection:
  Jesus’ prayer shows that even amidst rejection, betrayal, and suffering, He sought the Father’s will. This encourages us to trust in God and hold on to His truth during challenging times.

• Practical:
  We can draw strength through prayer and trust in God’s plan when facing challenges, and take inspiration from Jesus’ example.

Meaning for Our Lives Today:

• Relationships:
  Strive for unity and love in our relationships—in the family, the church, and society.

• Truth:
  Adhere to God’s Word and live in accordance with His truth.

• Mission:
  Be aware that we are part of God’s plan to carry His love and truth into the world.

• Devotion:
  Follow Jesus’ example and align our lives with God’s will.

Final Thought:

John 17 demonstrates how much Jesus valued truth and the relationship between God and humans. His words are an invitation to live in God’s love, uphold His truth, and continue His mission with devotion. Jesus’ prayer applies to us as well—a reminder that we are one with the Father in Him and part of His eternal plan.

The connection to our daily lives and faith is extensive and deeply inspiring. Jesus’ high priestly prayer in John 17 not only provides insights into His heart but also shows us how our lives should be shaped in unity with God and others. Here are practical connections:

1. Unity in Love and Truth

• Connection:
  Jesus’ desire for unity between God, Himself, and His disciples reminds us of the importance of love and truth in our lives. Genuine community is based on God’s love that unites us and the truth of His Word that guides us.

• Practical:
  In everyday life, we can live in unity with others through forgiveness, compassion, and holding firmly to God’s truth. This is especially relevant in the church, where we work together as members of the body of Christ.

2. Knowing God as the Goal of Life

• Connection:
  Jesus defines eternal life as a personal relationship with God (John 17:3). This knowledge begins here and now and fills our lives with meaning and hope.

• Practical:
  We can deepen our relationship with God by spending time in prayer and Bible study and consciously seeking His guidance in our lives.

3. Discipleship in Devotion

• Connection:
  Jesus’ devotion to the Father’s will is a model for our discipleship. His prayer shows that our lives should be oriented toward obedience and love for God, even when it involves difficulties or sacrifices.

• Practical:
  We can intentionally ask ourselves how we can follow God’s will in our daily lives—whether through the decisions we make or our behavior toward others.

4. Participating in God’s Mission

• Connection:
  Jesus prayed not only for His disciples but also for those who would believe in Him through their testimony (John 17:20). This shows that we are part of God’s great plan to spread His love and truth in the world.

• Practical:
  We can share our faith stories with others, be a light in both small and significant moments, and be mindful that God works through us.

5. Strength in Difficult Times

• Connection:
  Jesus’ prayer shows that even amidst rejection, betrayal, and suffering, He sought the Father’s will. This encourages us to trust in God and hold on to His truth during challenging times.

• Practical:
  We can draw strength through prayer and trust in God’s plan when facing challenges, and emulate Jesus’ example.

Significance for Our Lives Today:

• Relationships:
  Strive for unity and love in our relationships—in the family, the church, and society.

• Truth:
  Adhere to God’s Word and live in accordance with His truth.

• Mission:
  Be aware that we are part of God’s plan to carry His love and truth into the world.

• Devotion:
  Follow Jesus’ example and align our lives with God’s will.

Final Thought:

Jesus’ prayer in John 17 is an invitation to shape our lives in love, truth, and unity with God. It reminds us that through Jesus, we are part of an eternal plan that calls us to live in fellowship with God and others, uphold His truth, and share His love. This prayer is a source of inspiration and a call to discipleship in every aspect of our lives.

True unity arises when love and truth work together in our lives – let us grow in both today, as Jesus taught us.