1	The (Real) LORD’S PRAYER JOHN 17
2	Introduction: Thoughts on John 17 This is holy ground. This is the longest prayer of Jesus recorded in Scripture. Prayer is an intimate communication. This prayer comes just prior to the cross. The tone is solemn, but not gloomy. There is the sound of triumphant expectation!
3	I. Jesus prays for himself. John 17:1-5 The time has come. Jesus is about to complete his mission.
4	Glorify your Son. What does the word glorify mean? It means to exalt, lift up or reveal.
5	Now is the time for the true identity of the Son to be revealed to the world.
6	This is eternal life. The heart of Christianity is a relationship with God through Jesus Christ.
7	The means by which God will glorify the Son is through the cross. And now Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began. Can you imagine the welcome Jesus received when he returned home?
8	II. Jesus prays for the disciples. John 17:6-19 The disciples believed: In his word (truth). In his identity (person). In his work (mission).
9	Jesus prayed for five things for the disciples and for the church. 1. Protection – verses 11-12, 15 2. Unity – verses 11, 21-23 3. Joy – verse 13 4. Holiness – verse 17 5. Mission – verse 18.
10	Jesus was handing the baton to the disciples. It was a risk. Would they take it?
11	III. Jesus prays for all believers (that includes us). John 17:20-26 Jesus prayed for unity among his people. The unity Jesus prayed for is not just a unity in the church today, but also a unity with the apostolic church and its teaching.
12	Unity takes work to maintain. “Make every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit – just as you were called to one hope when you were called – one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” Ephesians 4:2-6
13	Jesus prayed for the mission of the church. Verses 21-23 “So that the world may believe.” The indwelling presence of Christ is key to the success of the mission.
14	Jesus prayed for our future hope. Verses 24-26 “I want those you have given me to be with me and to see my glory.”
15	Conclusion: What should we do in response to a message like this? • Worship Him – Praise the Father and the Son. • Love Him – This is eternal life. • Serve Him – Take up the mission. Join in his work.