The Last Gospel: A Survey of John - John 17

John 17 is the longest recorded prayer of Jesus in the Gospels. Here, He prays for Himself as He faces the cross, for His disciples, and the unity of future believers (us!). It is often called the “High Priestly Prayer” because as Christ was preparing to face the cross and to bear the sins of the world, He paused to intercede on our behalf – just as the High Priests interceded for Israel in the Old Testament.

Jesus tells us what His inner thoughts were as He prayed this prayer. He was going to the Father soon, and wanted His disciples to have “the full measure of joy within them” (17:13). Jesus’ words here concerning unity are some of the most compelling in Scripture. As we consider how Jesus prays for us, we reflect on the thought that He had us on His mind, even as He faced the cross. Join us this Sunday as we follow after Him!

-Pastor Nate Roschen