John 17 focuses on “The High Priestly Prayer.” I think it is cool that we get to eavesdrop into how Jesus prayed here. It seems a little different than the Lord’s Prayer. This prayer in John 17 is more like a conversation with God.
There are many things that we can take away from this chapter: Jesus did everything God asked of Him, they must be glorified together, Jesus wants to give us His joy.
One verse that stood out to me is verse 11:
11“I am no longer in the world; and yet they themselves are in the world, and I come to You Holy Father, keep them in Your name, the name which You have given Me, that they may be one even as We are.” (NASB)
What does it mean “keep them in your name?” It reminded me of a wife taking her husband’s name when they get married. She has entirely new name and is known by her new name. She becomes a part of her new family. In the same way we are married into God’s family and we take His name. There is power in His name!
The second verse that stood out to me is verse 15:
15“I do not ask You to take them out of the world, but to keep them from the evil one.” (NASB)
This is a good reminder of how we can pray for our family and friends. We can pray for God’s protection from the evil one that comes to steal, kill, and destroy their lives. We can even pray for our protection.
There is a lot more to Jesus’ prayer than these two little things. My quiet time was good and I wrote down a vision I had at church. Basically I saw the Holy Spirit washing each person. He was washing away the grime in our lives with the truth of the Word of God.
Also, while I was in my quiet time God changed my desires for something I wanted to do and gave me some clarity about my goals for this year. I was bursting at the seams to tell my husband. When I told him about what I felt God said I had peace come over me. It was also neat that my husband was in full agreement too. I knew it was God that changed my heart in that quiet time. I need to remember this experience so I am motivated to meet with God more consistently!
Did any verses stand out to you in John 17?
15I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.
This verse could perhaps be seen as having “rapture” implications, as if Christ was petitioning the Father or was anticipating His plans,not only for the disciples but for the church as well…very cool, thanks!
Praise God Amanda, I was so excited about your “encounter with God”. He is so personal and intimate. The more He speaks to us the more we want. I’ve actually gone ahead in my reading in anticipation of the the start of our new study. Looking back at my journal, one verse in John 17 that stood out to me was verse 4. He says that He brought His Father glory by completing the work He was send to do. He finished His assignment. His Father could say to Him “well done good and faithful servant”. I have an assignment too. A work that God has given me specifically to accomplish. I need to stay connected to the vine in order to accomplish it. I want to bring Him glory while I’m here on earth and then when it’s time for me to go home, I want Him to be proud of His daughter.