This week we examine the last portion of Christ’s “High Priestly Prayer” found in John 17. In this portion, we see Jesus pray for us as 21st century believers. What we see is an extraordinary request for our unity with Him and with one another, that through our unity the whole world would come to know the truth about Jesus and the love of God the Father. Sadly the church often falls short of experiencing this world-transforming unity, and so we must each be diligent about praying for this unity that weighed so heavily on Christ’s heart.

Scripture Reference

John 17: 20-25

Sermon Audio

Sermon Notes

The Basis of Christ’s Prayer for Us

  1. This is Christ praying for us (verse 20)
  2. Based on the eternal unity and love of Jesus and God (verse 21)
  3. Based on our provision in Christ
    1. Christ in us (verse 22)
    2. Being in Christ’s presence for eternity (verse 24)

Our Prayer – Union with Christ

  1. The cross brings reconciliation with God (Romans 5: 8-11)
  2. That reconciliation is about more than peace, it includes being in union with God (verses 21, 23, Colossians 1: 27)
    1. We have deep spiritual union with God, but it can grow ever deeper (verse 26)
    2. We should pray for AND work for deeper union with Christ (John 15: 4-5)

Our Prayer – Unity with Fellow Believers

  1. Christ is praying for our unity as a body of believers (verse 21)
    1. Made possible because Christ gave us the glory (revelation) of  God (verse 22)
    2. Made possible because God is in Christ and Christ is in us (verse 23)
    3. This is about real, perfect union, not just a papering over of disagreements
  2. We should pray for AND work for this

Our Prayer – Our Witness to a Watching World

  1. Our unity reveals the truth of Christ to a watching world (verses 21, 23)
  2. Our unity reveals the love of  God to a watching world (verse 23)