THE HIGH PRIESTLY PRAYER OF JESUS
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: John 17:1-26
Key Verse: “Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee.” (John 17:20-21)
Supporting Texts: Hebrews 7:25; Romans 8:34; Ephesians 4:3-6; 1 Peter 1:5
INTRODUCTION
John 17 records what is often called the High Priestly Prayer of Jesus. This prayer took place shortly before His arrest and crucifixion, making it one of the most intimate and profound moments in His earthly ministry. In it, Jesus lifted His eyes to heaven and prayed to the Father on behalf of Himself, His disciples, and all future believers.
This prayer reveals the heart of Christ for His people. As our High Priest, He intercedes for us, presenting our needs before the Father. It shows His desire for our protection, sanctification, unity, and ultimate glorification.
For believers today, this prayer provides deep assurance. It reminds us that Jesus not only saved us but continues to intercede for us. His prayer covers every aspect of our spiritual journey and reveals God’s plan for our lives.
1. JESUS PRAYED FOR HIS GLORIFICATION AND THE FATHER’S GLORY
Jesus began by praying concerning His mission and the glory of God.
a. The Glory of the Son (John 17:1)
Jesus asked to be glorified so that He could glorify the Father.
b. Fulfilment of Divine Purpose (John 17:4)
He declared that He had finished the work given to Him.
c. Eternal Glory Restored (John 17:5)
Jesus spoke of the glory He shared with the Father before the world began.
d. The Goal of All Things (1 Corinthians 10:31)
Everything is to be done for the glory of God.
e. Biblical Example:
Jesus glorified the Father through His obedience, even unto death on the cross (Philippians 2:8-9).
2. JESUS PRAYED FOR HIS DISCIPLES’ PROTECTION
Jesus interceded for His disciples to be kept safe in the world.
a. Kept by God’s Power (John 17:11)
Jesus asked the Father to keep them in His name.
b. Protection from the Evil One (John 17:15)
He prayed that they be protected from Satan.
c. Preserved in Faith (1 Peter 1:5)
Believers are kept by the power of God through faith.
d. Security in Christ (John 10:28-29)
No one can snatch believers from God’s hand.
e. Biblical Example:
Peter was preserved through Christ’s intercession, even after his denial (Luke 22:31-32).
3. JESUS PRAYED FOR THEIR SANCTIFICATION
Jesus desired that His followers be set apart for God’s purposes.
a. Sanctified by the Truth (John 17:17)
God’s word is the instrument of sanctification.
b. Set Apart for God (Romans 12:1-2)
Believers are called to live holy lives.
c. Transformed by the Word (Ephesians 5:26)
The Word cleanses and renews believers.
d. Called to Holiness (1 Peter 1:15-16)
God calls His people to be holy as He is holy.
e. Biblical Example:
Daniel remained pure and set apart for God despite living in a corrupt environment (Daniel 1:8).
4. JESUS PRAYED FOR THE UNITY OF BELIEVERS
One of the central themes of the prayer is unity among believers.
a. Unity Like the Trinity (John 17:21)
Believers are to be one as the Father and Son are one.
b. Unity as a Witness (John 17:23)
Unity reveals Christ to the world.
c. Bond of Peace (Ephesians 4:3)
Believers are to maintain unity through peace.
d. One Body in Christ (1 Corinthians 12:12)
All believers are part of one body.
e. Biblical Example:
The early church experienced unity, which resulted in great power and growth (Acts 4:32-33).
5. JESUS PRAYED FOR FUTURE BELIEVERS
Jesus extended His prayer beyond His disciples to all who would believe.
a. A Prayer for All Generations (John 17:20)
Jesus included future believers in His prayer.
b. Assurance of Intercession (Hebrews 7:25)
Christ continually intercedes for believers.
c. Eternal Relationship with God (John 17:24)
Jesus desires that believers be with Him in glory.
d. The Love of God Revealed (John 17:26)
Believers experience the love shared between the Father and the Son.
e. Biblical Example:
The gospel spread across nations as people believed through the apostles’ message (Acts 13:47-49).
CONCLUSION
The High Priestly Prayer of Jesus reveals His deep love and concern for His followers. He prayed for their protection, sanctification, unity, and eternal destiny. This prayer shows that believers are constantly on the heart of Christ.
Today, Jesus continues to intercede for His people. His prayer assures us that we are not alone in our journey of faith. We are covered by His intercession and sustained by His grace.
PRAYER POINTS
1. Father, thank You for the intercession of Jesus on my behalf, in Jesus name.
2. Lord, keep me by Your power and preserve my faith, in Jesus name.
3. Father, sanctify me through Your truth and Your word, in Jesus name.
4. Lord, help me to live a life that brings glory to Your name, in Jesus name.
5. Father, unite believers in love and purpose, in Jesus name.
6. Lord, protect me from every attack of the enemy, in Jesus name.
7. Father, help me to walk in holiness and righteousness, in Jesus name.
8. Lord, let my life reflect the unity and love of Christ, in Jesus name.
9. Father, draw me closer to You daily, in Jesus name.
10. Lord, help me to remain faithful until the end, in Jesus name.
