We finish up with Jesus’s prayer in John 17, with verses 20-26 where Jesus talks intimately with his Father about their relationship.
20 “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21 that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22 I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one— 23 I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.
24 “Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world.
25 “Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me. 26 I have made youA known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them.”
Questions for discussion:
- Who is Jesus praying about in this 3rd section?
- Are these people more blessed because they believe through faith?
- What kind of “love” does the Father have for Jesus, which will be for us?
1. those who believe in Jesus will come to know the Father, Son, and HOly Spirit
2. Odd question. Anyone who believes wll be blessed.
3. we will be loved as a son and YHWH will be our Father
Thanks Van. I like your “odd question” comment. I have a reason for asking it because it ties into another part of the Gospel. I also like your answer “as a son.” I didn’t think of that comparison when I wrote the question. I will post my thoughts next week or so.
Rick's thoughts:
1. Who is Jesus praying about in this 3rd section?
Jesus is praying for us believers because we believe through the word handed on over the years, person to person in an unbroken chain. We take our place in that line and may pass on the word in all its truth, remembering that it comes from Jesus.
2. Are these people more blessed because they believe through faith?
Though some may think this question is odd, Jesus clears up any misunderstandings. In a discussion regarding John the Baptist, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet whoever is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.” (Matthew 11:11). This means that those of us who BELIEVE is greater than John the Baptist because John SAW Jesus and his miracles, where we believe in him through faith.
3. What kind of “love” does the Father have for Jesus, which will be for us?
Agape. Unconditional love. Not eros (erotic love) or philo (brotherly love), but a much greater love.