John 17

Gazing Upwards: Insights from Jesus' High Priestly Prayer

As we delve into John Chapter 17 today, we’re stepping into one of the most profound passages of the New Testament. Often referred to as the High Priestly Prayer, this chapter captures Jesus’ intimate conversation with the Father shortly before His crucifixion. It's a moment of deep reflection and powerful prayer, and it reveals much about Jesus’ priorities and His relationship with God and His followers. From the outset, what strikes us is Jesus’ focus. In verse one, we see Him looking toward heaven as He prays. This simple act of gazing upwards is more than a mere gesture; it’s a powerful reminder of where our focus should be, especially in challenging times. We've often heard the advice to "gaze upon the Lord and glance at our problems." Jesus exemplifies this beautifully. Even though He is on the brink of immense suffering, His eyes are fixed on the Father, embodying a posture of love, tenderness, and unwavering trust.

Let’s remember to keep our eyes on the Lord, especially when navigating our own trials. It’s not about ignoring our problems but about aligning our perspective with a higher vision. On a lighter note, when we pray with our children, we often guide them into traditional postures—heads bowed, eyes closed, hands folded. This helps them focus and teaches them reverence. However, there's also a place for "praying with eyes wide open," as articulated in various teachings, which aligns with seeing and praying into our daily reality. This balance of focus and openness can enrich our spiritual practice.

The pivotal moment comes when Jesus declares, “Father, the hour has come.” This statement echoes back to John 2, where He initially says, “My hour has not yet come.” Now, He acknowledges that His time has arrived—the time for His sacrificial death on the cross. It's striking how Jesus views the cross not as a symbol of defeat but as a means of glorification for both Himself and the Father. This upside-down wisdom is a profound aspect of Christian faith: what the world sees as foolish, God uses for salvation and glory.

D.A. Carson’s insight on the end of verse two is particularly moving. He notes that while we often think of Jesus as God's gift to us, we rarely consider ourselves as God’s gift to Jesus. This perspective highlights the relational aspect of our existence—God’s creation of humanity is a testament to His desire for relationship. We are not just creations but cherished gifts, integral to the divine plan.

As Jesus continues His prayer, He speaks of revealing the Father to those given to Him. This revelation is central to eternal life—knowing God is not a one-time event but an ongoing relationship. Eternal life is characterized by a continuous, deepening connection with God, through all seasons of life.

Jesus’ mission involved training His disciples and preparing them to carry on His work. His prayer for them, and specifically for their protection and unity, underscores the importance of their role in continuing His mission. While His concern is for His followers, it’s clear that His love extends to all creation, as reflected in the well-known verse, John 3:16, “For God so loved the world.”

Sanctification in the Everyday

In verse 17, Jesus asks, "Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth." This plea highlights a crucial aspect of our spiritual growth: sanctification. But what does this process entail? It’s not just about lofty spiritual experiences or moments of profound insight; it’s also about our everyday, mundane interactions.

Sanctification involves being deeply connected to God, not just on Sundays during worship, but in every aspect of our daily lives. It’s about maintaining that connection when we’re going to bed, praying our last prayer of the day, or even in the most ordinary moments. Jesus is calling us to an ongoing relationship with Him, where He continually molds us into His likeness.

Unity with God and One Another

Jesus' prayer extends beyond the immediate circle of His disciples. He prays for "those who will believe in me through their message" (John 17:20). This prayer encompasses all future believers, including us. Jesus desires for us to be united in the same way He is united with the Father. This unity is not just a theological concept but a tangible reality that we are called to live out.

The picture of the Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—illustrates the depth of unity Jesus envisions. This divine community is not just the beginning of all things but will also be the culmination. In the midst of our trials, our goal remains clear: to live in loving community with God and with one another.

Embracing the Mission

Jesus' mission for us is to embody the same love He has for us and to reflect that love to the world. He concludes His prayer with a powerful statement: "I have made you 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" (John 17:26).

This mission is not without its challenges. It’s easy to get discouraged and wish for escape from difficult circumstances, much like the prophets who wished to be removed from their trials. However, God’s response is consistent: He sees us, loves us, and has important work for us to do, even when we don’t immediately see the results.

Trusting the Process

Even during times of pruning—when it seems like nothing is growing and we feel stagnant—God is working beneath the surface. What’s happening in these moments is essential for future growth and for fulfilling our purpose. We are reminded that our spiritual journey involves trust and patience, acknowledging that God’s plans are often beyond our immediate understanding.

Fixing Our Eyes on the Future

When we get caught up in our past or present struggles, it’s crucial to remember that God redeems our past, loves us in the present, and gives us hope for the future. Our felt experience is real and important, but it should be anchored in the truth of God’s promises. As we navigate our challenges, we are called to reflect the same deep trust in God that the saints before us demonstrated.