John 17:13-26
Q.1. What is it about believers that the world hates? What is our mission? How is this mission undermined? – (Jn.17:13-19)
Believers experience peace and joy beyond the circumstances of life. This cannot help but be seen. The world hates our assurance that we know to whom we belong, and to where we are going. We now have a new mission in life that corresponds with Christ’s – As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world (Jn.17:18). Not only are we despised by the world, but Jesus was keenly aware that His followers would become the target of the evil one, Satan (Jn.17:15).
Q.2. How far-reaching was Christ’s intercession? Why is oneness so important? What provision has Christ made to produce oneness? – (Jn.17:20-23)
Jesus did not restrict His praying to praying for His disciples only – “I do not ask on behalf of these alone, but for those also who believe in Me through their word (Jn.17:20). Unnecessary in-fighting will destroy any organization or army. Jesus prayed that His followers would share the same unity of purpose as that displayed by Himself in relationship with His Father. He again shared how this is achievable by the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit, Who was soon to come – I in them and You in Me, that they may be perfected in unity, so that the world may know that You sent Me, and loved them, even as You have loved Me (Jn.17:23 cf. Jn.7:37-39).
Q.3. How much about the identity of Jesus did the disciples grasp? What was Christ’s prayer for the immediate and ultimate future of believers? – (Jn.17:23-26 c.f. Jn.12:16; 14:26)
Jesus knew only too well that He would be betrayed and deserted. However, the Godhead is utterly committed to achieving the over-arching purpose in this life, and also in the after-life – Father, I desire that they also, whom You have given Me, be with Me where I am, so that they may see My glory which You have given Me, for You loved Me before the foundation of the world (Jn.17:24). The distinguishing mark of Christians is that they believe in the relationship that has always existed between the Son and the unseen Father – 23 … so that the world may know that You sent Me, and loved them, even as You have loved Me … 24 so that they may see My glory which You have given Me, for You loved Me before the foundation of the world … 25 … I have known You; and these have known that You sent Me … 25 … so that the love with which You loved Me may be in them, and I in them.”  (Jn.17:23-26). Such a belief is an anchor of the soul in a hostile world. It gives us confidence to face whatever trials may come. It makes all the difference to know that our destiny is assured and cannot compare with anything we experience in this life.