The High Priestly Prayer of Jesus
The High Priestly Prayer of Jesus is a profound and deeply moving prayer found in John 17. This prayer is a centerpiece of Jesus’ farewell discourse, offered before His Passion. It is often called the “High Priestly Prayer” because Jesus intercedes for His disciples, much like a high priest mediates between God and His people. The prayer reveals the heart of Jesus, His relationship with the Father, and His profound care for His followers.
Structure of the High Priestly Prayer
The prayer can be divided into three parts:
- Jesus prays for Himself (John 17:1–5)
Jesus begins by asking the Father to glorify Him so that He may glorify the Father. This “glorification” refers to His Passion, Resurrection, and Ascension, through which God’s plan for salvation will be fulfilled. Jesus highlights His mission to give eternal life to those the Father has given Him, defining eternal life as knowing the only true God and Jesus Christ whom He has sent.
Key themes:- The glorification of the Son and the Father.
- Eternal life as a relationship with God.
- Jesus prays for His disciples (John 17:6–19)
Jesus intercedes for His disciples, whom the Father has entrusted to Him. He prays for their protection, unity, and sanctification in the truth. Jesus acknowledges that the disciples are in the world but not of it, and He asks the Father to keep them from the evil one. He also prays that they may be consecrated in the truth of God’s Word.
Key themes:- Protection from the evil one.
- Sanctification through the truth of God’s Word.
- Unity among the disciples.
- Jesus prays for all believers (John 17:20–26)
Finally, Jesus prays for those who will believe in Him through the message of the disciples—this includes all future Christians. He emphasizes unity among believers, comparing it to the unity between the Father and the Son. This unity is meant to be a witness to the world of God’s love and the truth of Jesus’ mission. Jesus also expresses His desire that believers may one day be with Him and see His glory.
Key themes:- Unity among all believers.
- Witness to the world.
- The fullness of eternal life with Jesus.
Reflection and Insights
- Jesus’ deep intimacy with the Father:
The prayer reveals the profound unity and love between Jesus and the Father. This relationship is the model for the unity Jesus desires among His followers. - Eternal life as a relationship:
In verse 3, Jesus defines eternal life not just as unending existence but as knowing the Father and the Son. This highlights that salvation is relational, rooted in love and communion with God. - Jesus’ concern for His followers:
Despite facing His impending suffering, Jesus’ prayer focuses on the well-being of His disciples and future believers. His love for humanity is evident in His intercession. - Unity as a witness to the world:
Jesus repeatedly prays for unity among believers, emphasizing that such unity is a powerful testimony to the world of God’s love and the truth of the Gospel. - Sanctification through truth:
Jesus prays that His followers be sanctified in the truth of God’s Word. This reflects the transformative power of scripture and its role in shaping the lives of believers.
Meditative Prayer Suggestions
- Contemplate Jesus as the High Priest:
Imagine Jesus standing before the Father, praying this prayer for you. How does it feel to know that He intercedes for you? - Reflect on unity:
Consider ways you can foster unity in your family, church, or community. How can your actions bear witness to God’s love? - Pray for sanctification:
Spend time in scripture, asking God to sanctify you in His truth. Reflect on areas in your life where you need transformation.
Personal Application
- Daily examination: Reflect on how your life reflects the unity and love that Jesus prayed for. Are there areas where you can grow in being a witness to God’s love?
- Gratitude: Thank Jesus for His intercession and the gift of eternal life.
- Mission: Consider how you can share the message of God’s love and truth with others, as Jesus prayed for future believers.
