I. Jesus Prays to Be Glorified (17:1-5)
After Jesus speaks about the disciples deserting him, leaving him alone, he begins to pray.
17:1 “looked toward heaven and prayed” This is one posture of prayer. Instead of looking down, with eyes closed, Jesus looked up and prayed. What is the symbolism of looking up with your eyes open? When we bow our heads to pray and close our eyes, what does that signify?
17:2 “authority over all people” – We are taught to pray for ourselves last, but here we hear Jesus praying for Himself first. We need to remember who Jesus is. He is not a religious leader or a prophet; He is the Son of God. Read Matthew 16:13-16. Christ has all authority and He issues this authority for preaching the Gospel (Matthew 28:18-20). What does it mean to have authority over all people? He is Lord of Lords (1 Timothy 6:15; Revelation 17:14).
17:3 “you have sent” – This is the language of mission. When you have His authority, you can boldly answer the question, “Who sent you?”
17:4-5 “glory” – The Son brings glory to the Father. And, the Father restores glory to the Son. This refers to Christ’s resurrection and ascension. He will go to the Father’s side. As believers in the Lord of glory, Jesus Christ, we are given a responsibility of giving Him all the glory. Let’s recite the Lord’s prayer, noting the declaration of kingdom, power, and glory.

II. Jesus Prays for His Disciples (17:6-19)
17:6-9 “those whom you gave me out of the world” – In what way are the disciples “given” people? Note the use of the word “give” and “given.” Have you been “given” to the Lord?
17:11 “Holy Father” – This is the only time in the New Testament we hear “Holy Father” as a title for God. It expresses that God is both awesome (holy) and near (Father). How do you address God when you pray?
17:14-15 “not of the world” – This is the world that is a system set against God’s rule (1 John 5:19). We are not of this world and we are not to love the things of this world (1 John 2:15-17). Our Lord’s prayer is for our protection. Have you ever experienced the Lord’s protection in this world?
17:17 “Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.” The Word of God is truth and the Word of God is powerful enough to purify us. Read Psalm 119:9-13. Do you experience a daily bath (reading) in God’s Word?
17:18 “As you sent me….” Again we hear “sending” language. This shows the importance of mission in the teachings of Jesus. How important is mission in your Christian life?

III. Jesus Prays for All Believers (17:20-26)
17:20 “those who will believe in me through their message” – There is an understanding that the mission will not end with the first generation of disciples, but it will continue from one generation to the next. Now we can hear our Lord praying for us. Some of us are first generation Christians and some are second, third, or fourth generation, but we are all part of the Church that remained faithful to the preaching of the Gospel. The Gospel must be preached to all nations and to all generations. What is your part in this mission?
17:23 “complete unity” – Jesus prays for us not to be successful or prosperous, but for us to be united. What does complete unity mean? Why is unity so important in the church today? Can you say that the church is united today or divided today?
17:26 “the love you have for me may be in them” – What kind of love did the Father have for the Son? If we are filled with the Father’s love, what kind of life will we live? Read 1 John 4:7-12.