Jesus' Intercession 10/29/2023

Last week, we looked on as Jesus prayed for Himself (Jn. 17:1-5). Jesus expressed His confidence in the Father's plan (17:1a), His passion for the Father's glory (17: 1b, 4-5), and His gift of eternal life to those given to Him by the Father (17:2-3).

This week, we will hear how Jesus prays for His disciples, which includes us. First, Jesus characterizes His followers by faith, knowledge, and obedience. Essentially, He gives a progress report (vs. 6-8). Then, He prayed for their spiritual protection from the devil and the world (vs. 9-16), and finally, He prayed for His followers to be set apart for His mission (vs. 17-19). This portion of Jesus' prayer captured in John 17 is the largest portion of the prayer. You can hear the passion for His disciples, His friends, and fellow laborers as we listen. He loves them, and He is contending in prayer for them. His mission on Earth is almost done, and He knows theirs is just beginning, so Jesus does what He continues to do for us today (Ro.8:34; Heb. 7:25; Is. 53:12). He intercedes on their behalf.