Jesus addresses
the Father
the Father
on
our behalf
... revealing the power
of
His Word:
our behalf
... revealing the power
of
His Word:
"These words
spake Jesus
and
lifted up his eyes
to
heaven,
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:"
glorify thee:"
-John 17:1
Every Word of God is priceless ... but there is always something of extra value contained in last words before departure:
... most important final instructions
... most important things to remember
... greatest assurance regarding love ... and promise of return
... most important things to remember
... greatest assurance regarding love ... and promise of return
Before His departure from Earth ... the Word Jesus uses to describe His first ... most important ... request ... when He addresses the Father
... is the Word ..."glorify."
... is the Word ..."glorify."
This one Word ... not only tells us who Jesus is ... but reveals the primary purpose of His mission:
(1) to be "glorified"
(2) to "glorify" the Father.
Therefore ... to understand the foundational purpose of Christ's mission to Earth
... we must carefully consider exactly what Jesus is requesting from the Father
... and why this had to be His first request
... in addition ... to helping us understand the importance of the part the Word ..."glorify"... plays in:
... we must carefully consider exactly what Jesus is requesting from the Father
... and why this had to be His first request
... in addition ... to helping us understand the importance of the part the Word ..."glorify"... plays in:
(1) rightly dividing the entirety of the Word of God
(2) correctly defining the true meaning of
..."unity"... and ... fellowship" within the body of Christ.
..."unity"... and ... fellowship" within the body of Christ.
We will eventually discover why glorifying the Father and Jesus Christ is vital to the survival of the Church Jesus is establishing
... but first let us examine the Word, "glorify":
... but first let us examine the Word, "glorify":
"glorify"
[G1392] [G1391]
= to reveal:
[G1392] [G1391]
= to reveal:
.. splendour
.. true magnificent
..identity
..identity
.. honor
.. Preeminent
.. righteous Authority
.. righteous Authority
So in ..."glorifying"... we find "understanding" and "honoring"
... submitting to the Preeminence of the Father and Son ... is the first ... foundational ... principle
... that must be established ... in order to embrace everything else Jesus is going to request ... from the Father
... in this prayer on our behalf ... before He departs.
... submitting to the Preeminence of the Father and Son ... is the first ... foundational ... principle
... that must be established ... in order to embrace everything else Jesus is going to request ... from the Father
... in this prayer on our behalf ... before He departs.
"As thou
hast given him
power
over all flesh,
over all flesh,
that he should
give eternal life
to as many
as thou
hast given him."
hast given him."
-John 17:2
It is the Father that has provided Jesus with power over all mankind ... adequate power ... all that is required
... to accomplish this mission of securing the eternal life of those the Father has given to Him.
... to accomplish this mission of securing the eternal life of those the Father has given to Him.
Here we begin to see the Father "glorifying"
... already making the Son Preeminent .. most powerful .. above "all earthly flesh"/men.
... already making the Son Preeminent .. most powerful .. above "all earthly flesh"/men.
"And this is
life eternal,
life eternal,
that they
might know thee
might know thee
the only true God,
and
Jesus Christ,
Jesus Christ,
whom thou
hast sent."
hast sent."
-John 17:3
This "eternal"... everlasting life ... is given to the adopted children of God ... for the purpose of knowing the one true God and Lord Jesus Christ.
Jesus has been sent by God ... to make eternal life a reality for those who have been given the desire ... to really know God.
Jesus has been sent by God ... to make eternal life a reality for those who have been given the desire ... to really know God.
The significant point in this verse being:
getting to know God is the whole purpose of having eternal life
... not just wanting to escape hell ... the wrath of God ... or to acquire eternal bliss in heaven ... but for the purpose of really:
getting to know God is the whole purpose of having eternal life
... not just wanting to escape hell ... the wrath of God ... or to acquire eternal bliss in heaven ... but for the purpose of really:
"knowing"
[G1096]
= intimately acquainted
.. with God
= intimately acquainted
.. with God
= having a relationship
.. with God
.. with God
= communicating
..with God
..with God
... not just "knowing about" God
... but knowing God
intimately.
... but knowing God
intimately.
"I have glorified thee
on the earth:
on the earth:
I have finished
the work
the work
which thou gavest
me to do."
me to do."
-John 17:4
At this point in the life of Jesus ... He has accomplished His mission.
He has "glorified":
... revealed the splendour
... true magnificent
identity of the Father
... honored Him
... and ... compelled men to submit to His Preeminent Authority.
This was the work He came to Earth to do
... and His mission is completed.
He has "glorified":
... revealed the splendour
... true magnificent
identity of the Father
... honored Him
... and ... compelled men to submit to His Preeminent Authority.
This was the work He came to Earth to do
... and His mission is completed.
"And now, O Father,
glorify thou me
with thine own self
with the glory
which I had
which I had
with thee
before the world was."
before the world was."
-John 17:5
Now Jesus asks the Father to reveal His "glory"... the same "glory" Jesus had when He was in the presence of the Father
... even before the world was created.
... even before the world was created.
We know from the definition of the Word ..."glory"... that Jesus is now asking the Father to reveal
... the mutual Preeminent Authority that He and the Father possess.
... the mutual Preeminent Authority that He and the Father possess.
Manifesting
... the Name of God
... the Name of God
To see the significance of what Jesus prays next ... we need to understand the Name of Jesus:
"And he was clothed
with a vesture
dipped in blood:
and his name
is called
The Word of God." (Rev.19:13)
with a vesture
dipped in blood:
and his name
is called
The Word of God." (Rev.19:13)
This same Jesus that shed His Blood on the cross ... is the same One called "The Word of God."
Name
= Jesus = Word
= Preeminent Authority
.. of God
.. of God
... Back to John 17 ...
"I have manifested
thy name
thy name
unto the men
which thou gavest me
out of the world:
thine they were,
and
thou gavest them me;
thou gavest them me;
and
they have kept
thy word."
they have kept
thy word."
-John 17:6
In this 6th verse of Jesus' prayer ... He is establishing two things:
(1)..Jesus has manifested (declared .. revealed .. made known) the Name of the Father to the men God has called out of the world.
These were men the Father had specifically given to Jesus.
These were men the Father had specifically given to Jesus.
[If Jesus' Name is The Word of God ... what is the Father's Name?
... The answer to this mystery is found later in this chapter.]
... The answer to this mystery is found later in this chapter.]
... and ...
(2)..The men the Father gave to Jesus ... kept the Father's Word.
The important thing to remember is ... the ones the Father gives to Jesus
... are the same ones who keep His Word.
... are the same ones who keep His Word.
"Now they
have known
that all things
whatsoever
thou
hast given
me
are of thee."
-John 7:7
This completes Jesus' task of manifesting ... and verifying ... that our Father in Heaven is "thee" Source of all that has been given to Jesus ... for our benefit.
"For I have given
unto them
the words
which thou
gavest me;
gavest me;
and
they have
received them,
they have
received them,
and
have known surely
have known surely
that I came out
from thee,
from thee,
and
they have believed
they have believed
that thou
didst send me."
didst send me."
-John 7:8
Why is it imperative that believers know that Jesus was sent by God ... our Father in Heaven?
Unless we understand that the Preeminent Authority (God the Father)
... is the One who serves as the origin of the Words Jesus has brought to us (from the Father)
...we cannot appreciate or respect the Power ... Preeminent Authority ... or amazing value His Words carry.
... is the One who serves as the origin of the Words Jesus has brought to us (from the Father)
...we cannot appreciate or respect the Power ... Preeminent Authority ... or amazing value His Words carry.
Word of God
= Preeminent Authority
.. of God.
= Preeminent Authority
.. of God.
In fact ... God is as good as His Word.
... His Words are the essence of all that He is.
... His Words are the essence of all that He is.
When men receive God's Words ... they are then able to believe who Jesus is
... receive Him as well
... and realize that the Words they have been given are actually a result of an act of God
...to verify that Jesus was really sent by the Father in Heaven, for our benefit.
Our prayers
... are not the only
... prayers
... our Father
... in Heaven Hears
... receive Him as well
... and realize that the Words they have been given are actually a result of an act of God
...to verify that Jesus was really sent by the Father in Heaven, for our benefit.
Our prayers
... are not the only
... prayers
... our Father
... in Heaven Hears
"I pray for them:
I pray not
for the world,
but for them
which thou
hast given me;
hast given me;
for they are thine."
-John 17:9
Our prayers may be feeble ... but they are not the only prayers our Father in Heaven hears.
Jesus is praying on behalf of each one the Father has given to Him ... each one that has come to the Father
... according to His Word ... as they have received His Word and His Son ... our Lord and Saviour ... Jesus Christ.
... according to His Word ... as they have received His Word and His Son ... our Lord and Saviour ... Jesus Christ.
Jesus is not praying for self-centered rebellious worldlings that do not care enough to open their hearts to the Word of God ... so they can see the value of all He is ... and the priceless gift of eternal life that is just within their reach.
No ... Jesus prays only for His own ... those who by faith in the Word of God ... have repented ... turned from sin and going their own way ... to submit to the Preeminence of the Word of God and faithfully follow Christ.
Unity
... only
... through Truth
... only
... through Truth
"And all mine
are thine,
and
thine are mine;
thine are mine;
and
I am glorified
in them."
I am glorified
in them."
-John 17:10
All who belong to Jesus ... also belong to the Father ... And all who belong to the Father ... also belong to Jesus.
When we belong to One ... we also belong to the Other.
All who belong to Jesus ... also belong to the Father ... And all who belong to the Father ... also belong to Jesus.
When we belong to One ... we also belong to the Other.
"And now
I am no more
in the world,
in the world,
but these are
in the world,
in the world,
and
I come to thee.
I come to thee.
Holy Father,
keep through
thine own name
thine own name
those whom thou
hast given me,
hast given me,
that they
may be one,
may be one,
as we are."
-John 17:11
Before Jesus departs from this earth ... He prays to the Father ... emphasizing
the most important
desires of His heart ... and establishes these reminders for His followers:
the most important
desires of His heart ... and establishes these reminders for His followers:
(1)..He prays that
...the Father would keep believers through His Name.
...the Father would keep believers through His Name.
(2)..He prays that
...through His Name
...believers will become as closely united with one another ... as Jesus is united with the Father.
Jesus could have just said ..."keep them"....but He takes this request further by describing how believers are going to be kept
... So Jesus specifically says:
"... keep through thy own name those whom thou hast given me."
...through His Name
...believers will become as closely united with one another ... as Jesus is united with the Father.
Jesus could have just said ..."keep them"....but He takes this request further by describing how believers are going to be kept
... So Jesus specifically says:
"... keep through thy own name those whom thou hast given me."
We can conclude from this specific emphasis that it is vital to understand what His "own name" really is
... if it is the means by which we are going to be kept.
Thankfully ... Jesus provides this definition for us later in this passage.
Jesus also prays to establish unity of believers through His Name.
... if it is the means by which we are going to be kept.
Thankfully ... Jesus provides this definition for us later in this passage.
Jesus also prays to establish unity of believers through His Name.
"While I was
with them
in the world,
I kept them
in thy name:
in thy name:
those that
thou gavest me
thou gavest me
I have kept,
and
none of them
is lost,
none of them
is lost,
but
the son of perdition;
the son of perdition;
that the scripture
might be fulfilled."
might be fulfilled."
-John 17:12
While Jesus was in the world ... the Name was also the means by which believers were kept ... none were lost as a result
... except one ... (the son of perdition .. Judas)
... and even that fact was placed in the Scriptures by God ... to fulfill the Scriptures.
... except one ... (the son of perdition .. Judas)
... and even that fact was placed in the Scriptures by God ... to fulfill the Scriptures.
"And now come
I to thee;
and
these things
I speak
these things
I speak
in the world,
that they
might have
might have
my joy fulfilled
in themselves."
in themselves."
-John 17:13
At the time of Jesus' departure ... He comes to speak His Word for the purpose of imparting His amazingly powerful joy to believers ... so His joy might be fulfilled in them.
Why? ... because His Word is going to be the source of joy
... and joy the source of the strength they are going to need when they face the opposition that will be coming from the world ... as they wait for His return.
... and joy the source of the strength they are going to need when they face the opposition that will be coming from the world ... as they wait for His return.
"... neither be ye sorry;
for the joy
of the LORD
is your strength."
-Neh.8:10b
for the joy
of the LORD
is your strength."
-Neh.8:10b
I have given them
thy word;
thy word;
and
the world hath
hated them,
the world hath
hated them,
because they are
not of the world,
not of the world,
even as I am
not of the world."
not of the world."
-John 17:14
It's ALL about the Word.
The Word is the "beginning and the end"
... the "Alpha and Omega"..."Logos."
The world hates the Word and those who are indwelt with the Word
... who bear the Name of the Word ... and who bring forth the Word of God.
The world hates believers ... just like the world hates Christ.
The Word is the "beginning and the end"
... the "Alpha and Omega"..."Logos."
The world hates the Word and those who are indwelt with the Word
... who bear the Name of the Word ... and who bring forth the Word of God.
The world hates believers ... just like the world hates Christ.
With all of this hatred from the world going on ... what was to become of the believers' mission on Earth after Jesus left?
Were they supposed to hide out ... isolate themselves from the world?
Were they supposed to hide out ... isolate themselves from the world?
How did Jesus address this dilemma?
He responds by presenting a special request to the Father:
"I pray not
that thou shouldest
that thou shouldest
take them out
of the world,
of the world,
but that
thou shouldest
thou shouldest
keep them
from the evil."
from the evil."
-John 17:15
Until the believers' mission is accomplished ... they will remain in the world to bring forth the Word of God ... and as long as they remain
...God will keep their eternal life intact ... evil will have no power over them.
...God will keep their eternal life intact ... evil will have no power over them.
Jesus explains ... how this is possible ... in His next request:
"They are not
of the world,
even as I am
not of the world."
not of the world."
-John 17:16
First of all ... believers are not part of the world's system ... just like Jesus is not subject to the world's system ... but submitted to the Father's higher laws of life and conduct.
Sanctified by
... the Father's
... Higher Laws
... of Life
... and Conduct
... the Father's
... Higher Laws
... of Life
... and Conduct
"Sanctify them
through thy truth:
thy word is truth."
-John 17:17
"sanctify:
[G37]
= purify .. cleanse
= make holy
= separate from
= purify .. cleanse
= make holy
= separate from
Jesus is asking the Father to keep believers cleansed and pure ... holy ... separate from the world's way of living.
How is this sanctification going to take place and be maintained?
Jesus says that sanctification is maintained through Truth.
And what is truth?
Jesus says that God's Word IS Truth.
Word of God
= Truth
= by "Washing"
= by the Water of the
.. Word
= by "Washing"
= by the Water of the
.. Word
Regarding
"Washing by the Word"
"Washing by the Word"
The Mission:
"As thou hast
sent me
sent me
into the world,
even so have I also
sent them
into the world."
into the world."
-John 17:18
Believers are also followers of Christ ... following His Way ... example and teaching ... Way of life ... He is the Way ... Truth ... and Life.
"And for their sakes
I sanctify myself,
that they also
might be sanctified
through the truth."
might be sanctified
through the truth."
-John 17:19
Jesus' mission ... has become our mission.
Just as He set Himself apart from the world's system ... we also are set apart for special service ... to bring the truth of the Word of God.
Just as He set Himself apart from the world's system ... we also are set apart for special service ... to bring the truth of the Word of God.
"Neither pray I
for these alone,
for these alone,
but for them also
which shall believe
on me
on me
through their word;"
-John 17:20
Salvation and unity are not about getting a ticket to Heaven and a new set of friends ... but about being forgiven of sin
... continuing to be purified by the Truth of the Word of God ... and developing an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ
... set apart from the world and placed into a new eternal family ... (while yet in the world)
... then being used to help others understand God's Word of salvation so they also may believe on Christ.
Thus ... salvation becomes a matter of joining other sanctified believers ... who are bound together by the same Truth of the Word of God involved in the perpetual sharing of the Word of God from generation to generation.
... continuing to be purified by the Truth of the Word of God ... and developing an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ
... set apart from the world and placed into a new eternal family ... (while yet in the world)
... then being used to help others understand God's Word of salvation so they also may believe on Christ.
Thus ... salvation becomes a matter of joining other sanctified believers ... who are bound together by the same Truth of the Word of God involved in the perpetual sharing of the Word of God from generation to generation.
Purpose of the Mission:
1.. To be an example
1.. To be an example
.. of True unity
2.. To glorify God
2.. To glorify God
"That they all
may be one;
as thou, Father,
art in me,
art in me,
and I in thee,
that they also
may be one in us:
may be one in us:
that the world
may believe
may believe
that thou hast
sent me."
sent me."
-John 17:21
When true believers are unified by the Truth of the Word of God
... the true sheep of God will have ears to hear His Voice
... will recognize the real Jesus
... come out of the world ... and join with other believers to follow Him.
... the true sheep of God will have ears to hear His Voice
... will recognize the real Jesus
... come out of the world ... and join with other believers to follow Him.
"And the glory
which thou gavest me
I have given them;
that they
may be one,
may be one,
even as
we are one:"
we are one:"
-John 17:22
*Reminder*
"glory".."glorify"
[G1392] [G1391]
"glory".."glorify"
[G1392] [G1391]
= to reveal:
...splendour
...true magnificent identity
...honor
...righteous
...righteous
...Preeminent Authority
It is the Truth ... found in the Word of God ... that provides the genuine uniting power to gather believers together for the purpose of bringing glory to God
... and sharing the benefits of His glory with one another in the body of Christ.
... and sharing the benefits of His glory with one another in the body of Christ.
and
thou in me,
that they may be
made perfect
in one;
in one;
and
that the world
may know
that the world
may know
that thou
hast sent me,
hast sent me,
and
hast loved them,
hast loved them,
as thou
hast loved me."
hast loved me."
-John 17:23
It is God's intention that Christians ultimately become "perfect"... complete in one.
This does not mean that an isolated believer is imperfect
... but that unity in Truth will result in many being able to accomplish varying aspects of the plan of God to complete their own Christian experience
... as well as contributing to the ultimate plan for all believers.
Being committed to the same Truth ... will cause followers of Christ to fulfill the individual necessary parts ... required to bring about the totality of God's will and plan.
This does not mean that an isolated believer is imperfect
... but that unity in Truth will result in many being able to accomplish varying aspects of the plan of God to complete their own Christian experience
... as well as contributing to the ultimate plan for all believers.
Being committed to the same Truth ... will cause followers of Christ to fulfill the individual necessary parts ... required to bring about the totality of God's will and plan.
Some will be brought together physically to work together ... while others may never see one another ... or ever know of one another
... but will be brought together through His Word ... in Spirit ... and ... Truth to accomplish God's will over long periods of time
...even throughout history ... such as those who were used to bring about the written Word of God etc.
... as they were united in their efforts by following the same Truth of the Word of God ... over the course of their lifetime.
... but will be brought together through His Word ... in Spirit ... and ... Truth to accomplish God's will over long periods of time
...even throughout history ... such as those who were used to bring about the written Word of God etc.
... as they were united in their efforts by following the same Truth of the Word of God ... over the course of their lifetime.
"Father, I will
that they also,
whom thou
hast given me,
hast given me,
be with me
where I am;
where I am;
that they may
behold my glory,
behold my glory,
which thou
hast given me:
hast given me:
for thou lovedst me
before
the foundation
the foundation
of the world."
-John 17:24
Praise God !!! ... Just before Jesus departs ... just before He completes His mission
... by dying on the cross to pay the penalty for those who will repent and come to Him by faith
...He prays on our behalf ... that the Father will honor His desire to have us with Him so we may ... one day ... behold His glory.
... by dying on the cross to pay the penalty for those who will repent and come to Him by faith
...He prays on our behalf ... that the Father will honor His desire to have us with Him so we may ... one day ... behold His glory.
In this most love-filled prayer ... we see Jesus preparing to depart
... but not without first securing our own departure with this amazing request to the Father!
... Behold a picture also reminiscent of Jesus' securing His mother's future needs by entrusting her to the Apostle John
...demonstrating His amazing love and care ... clearly concerned with the welfare of others ... even while enduring His own suffering on the cross.
... but not without first securing our own departure with this amazing request to the Father!
... Behold a picture also reminiscent of Jesus' securing His mother's future needs by entrusting her to the Apostle John
...demonstrating His amazing love and care ... clearly concerned with the welfare of others ... even while enduring His own suffering on the cross.
Furthermore ... at the same time in this verse ... Jesus blesses us with another glimpse of the supernatural loving side of our Heavenly Father's nature
... as Jesus reveals that He ... Himself ... was indeed the object of the Father's love ... even before the foundation of the world.
... as Jesus reveals that He ... Himself ... was indeed the object of the Father's love ... even before the foundation of the world.
"O righteous Father,
the world hath not known thee:
but
I have known thee,
I have known thee,
and
these have known
these have known
that thou
hast sent me."
hast sent me."
-John 17:25
The world does not have a relationship with Christ
... only genuine believers are able to know Him intimately ... and understand that the Father in Heaven has sent Him.
... only genuine believers are able to know Him intimately ... and understand that the Father in Heaven has sent Him.
And I have declared
unto them thy name,
and
will declare it:
will declare it:
that the love
wherewith thou
hast loved me
hast loved me
may be in them,
and I in them."
-John 17:26
Jesus came to declare the Name of God.
He accomplished His mission ... and through His Word entrusted to believers
... He will continue to declare His Name.
He accomplished His mission ... and through His Word entrusted to believers
... He will continue to declare His Name.
Why is it so important to declare God's Name?
Because by declaring the Name of God ... the love of God is infused into the hearts of believers.
The same love the Father has for the Son
... is carried into the hearts of believers by His Name.
... is carried into the hearts of believers by His Name.
So what is His Name?
"And he was clothed
with a vesture
dipped in blood:
dipped in blood:
and
his name is called
his name is called
The Word of God."
(Rev. 19:13)
***Please Note***
To secure your relationship
with Jesus Christ
scroll to the top
of this page
and
click on the gift
wrapped in gold
on the left.
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