John 17  How do we begin to grasp all of the depths of this magnificent prayer?  This final recorded prayer that Jesus leaves with us through the pen of John, is packed full of requests that Jesus makes of the Father on behalf of Himself and us.

For Himself, Jesus asks the Father to:

glorify Him -v1
be glorified by Him -v1
enable Him to give eternal life to all His own -v2
restore the glory to Him that He had before the creation - v5

For His disciples.. and us, Jesus asks the Father:

to "keep them in Thy name, the name which Thou hast given Me, that they may be one, even as We are.." ( v11)

"that they may have My joy made full in themselves.."  ( v13)

"to keep them from the evil one."  ( v15)

To  " Sanctify them in the truth; " ( v17)

".. that they may all be one;" ( v21)
"... that they also may be in Us; that the world may believe that Thou didst sent Me."  v21

"Father, I desire that they also whom Thou hast given Me, be with Me where I am, in order that they may behold My glory, which Thou hast given Me; for Thou didst love Me before the foundation of the world."  ( v24)

".. that the love wherewith Thou didst love Me may be in them, and I in them."  v26


Jesus came to reveal to mankind the One true God.  To know God, we must believe that Jesus is the One sent from Him.  We must know that everything that Jesus did and said.. all that He gave while on this earth.. came from God for the purpose of making Him known.  Those men and women who belonged to God.. truly His.. were given into the hand of Jesus.  When we come together in unity.. one with each other and with the Father and Son.. Jesus says that the world will know and believe  that He is the One sent by God.. the One Whom God loves.. and the One who loves the world. 

Father, sanctify us by Your Word, the truth.  Make us One in You.. Dwell in us and us in You.  May the world believe that Jesus is the One sent by You to show us Who You really are, that we might know Your love.  Amen.