ADULTS STS LESSON 167 CHRIST INTERCEDES FOR THE CHURCH

Jesus’ Final hPrayer Reveals the Heart of the Gospel

As believers seek to deepen their relationship with Christ, one of the most profound passages in ScriptExplore John 17 and discover Jesus’ High Priestly Prayer, focusing on His intercession, the importance of sanctification, and unity among believers in the Church.

ure offers rich insights into His desires for the Church—John 17. Known as the High Priestly Prayer, this chapter reveals Jesus’ intercession for His disciples and all future believers. This heartfelt prayer, offered just before His crucifixion, teaches vital truths about sanctification, Christian unity, and the spiritual priorities that should define every follower of Christ.

In this article, we will explore key lessons from John 17 under three major sections: Christ’s submission to the Father, His intercession for His disciples, and His prayer for future believers. Each section reveals deep truths that remain relevant for the Church today.

Christ’s Submission to the Father in Prayer

Text: John 17:1-5; Supporting Verses: John 12:23,27-28; 13:31; 8:29

Jesus Recognized God’s Divine Timing

Jesus began His prayer by acknowledging the Father’s will:

Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee (John 17:1).

This moment marks Jesus’ complete submission to God’s purpose. He understood that His mission was entering its climax, and He fully embraced it—not for His own comfort, but so that God might be glorified and His disciples strengthened.

Key Truths from Christ’s Personal Prayer

• God has a divine timetable – Believers must be spiritually alert to divine timings (John 2:4; 7:30; 12:23).
• Christ alone gives eternal life – He has authority over all flesh (John 17:2; Acts 4:12).
• Eternal life means knowing God – A personal, ongoing relationship with Christ (John 17:3).
• His mission was fulfilled – Jesus finished the work of redemption (John 17:4).
• Christ’s pre-existence and glory – He sought the restoration of the glory He had before the world began (John 17:5; Philippians 2:5-11).

Christ’s Prayer for His Immediate Disciples

Text: John 17:6-19; Cross-references: Luke 22:31-32; Romans 8:34; Isaiah 53:12

Qualities of Scriptural Intercession

• Rooted in a close relationship with God.
• Selfless and focused on others’ spiritual welfare.
• Trusting in God’s power to preserve His people.
• Fueled by faith in God’s greater plan.

What Jesus Prayed for His Disciples

• Preservation – “Keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me” (John 17:11).
• Spiritual joy and comfort – Even amid tribulations (John 17:13).
• Sanctification through truth – A call to holiness and separation from the world (John 17:17-19).
• Unity – That the disciples would remain as one.
• Abiding love – That they may remain in God’s love and share it with others.

The Doctrine and Necessity of Sanctification

Jesus made it clear that sanctification follows salvation. Though the disciples had already believed, He prayed:

Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth (John 17:17).

Sanctification is the process by which believers are purified and set apart for God’s service. It enables them to:

• Love God with all their heart (Matthew 22:37).
• Be unified in faith and purpose.
• Reflect the holiness of God to the world.

To receive sanctification, a believer must:

1. Be genuinely saved.
2. Desire a pure heart.
3. Completely surrender to God.
4. Pray in faith for the experience (1 Thessalonians 5:23).

Christ’s Prayer for His Future Disciples

Text: John 17:20-26; Supporting Verses: Ephesians 2:14; Philippians 1:27

Jesus’ Vision for a United Church

Jesus prayed for all future believers—those who would believe through the disciples’ word. His prayer emphasized one vital theme: unity.

That they all may be one… that the world may believe that thou hast sent me (John 17:21).

The early Church fulfilled this at Pentecost when they were “with one accord in one place” (Acts 2:1). The result? The power of the Holy Spirit was unleashed, and thousands were saved (Acts 2:41).

Why Unity Among Believers Is Crucial

• Effective evangelism – The world believes when Christians are united (John 17:21).
• Spiritual strength – United believers can support one another (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12).
• Answered prayers – There’s power in agreement (Matthew 18:19).
• God is glorified – Unity reflects the nature of Christ (John 15:8).

Satan knows the power of unity and actively works to sow division. That’s why believers must actively promote peace and harmony:

• Avoid gossip and offense.
• Forgive quickly.
• Work together in love and humility.
• Focus on the shared mission of evangelism and discipleship.

The Hope of Eternal Glory

Jesus concluded His prayer with a powerful request:

That they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory… (John 17:24).

This is the eternal reward for all faithful believers—to share in Christ’s glory forever. Despite trials, followers of Jesus have a future full of hope and eternal joy (1 John 3:2).

A Call to Intercede and Abide

John 17 is more than a historical prayer—it is a blueprint for Christian prayer, unity, and sanctification. Christ prayed with clarity, purpose, and eternal perspective. Today, believers are called to follow in His footsteps by:

• Embracing spiritual priorities in prayer.
• Seeking sanctification and holiness.
• Promoting unity within the Church.
• Trusting in the glory that is yet to come.

Let us make this prayer our own: Keep them from the evil… (John 17:15), and strive to walk in the fullness of Christ’s intercession.

Reflection Questions

1. What key lessons can be drawn from Jesus’ High Priestly Prayer?
2. How does Christ’s prayer model scriptural intercession?
3. What role does sanctification play in a believer’s life?
4. Why is unity essential in the Church today?
5. How can you actively promote unity among fellow believers?