In John 17, Jesus looks toward heaven and prays to His Father. His prayer shows us what matters to Him: bringing glory to God, caring for His followers, and helping them live as one.
Jesus Prays to Be Glorified
Jesus says, “Father, the hour has come.” He asks the Father to glorify Him so that He may glorify the Father. He has finished the work the Father gave Him to do. His prayer is not about seeking praise for Himself apart from God. It is about showing the Father’s glory.
Jesus also tells us what eternal life means: knowing the only true God and Jesus Christ, whom He has sent. Faith is more than knowing facts about God. It is knowing Him and trusting Him.
Scripture: John 17:1–5
Jesus Prays for His Followers
Jesus knows His disciples will face trouble. He asks the Father to protect them, fill them with His joy, and make them holy through the truth. He says, “Your word is truth.” He does not ask for them to be taken out of the world. He asks for them to be kept safe from the evil one as they live in it.
Then Jesus prays that His followers may be one, just as He and the Father are one. He wants them to stay close to God and to one another. His prayer reminds us that we are not meant to walk in faith alone.
Scripture: John 17:6–19
Jesus Prays for All Believers
Jesus’ prayer reaches beyond the disciples who were with Him. He also prays for those who will believe through their message. That includes us today.
He asks that all believers may be one. This unity is rooted in the love of the Father and the Son. When we love one another and stand together in Christ, our lives help others see that the Father sent Jesus and loves His people.
Being one does not mean we all have the same background or do everything the same way. It means we belong to the same Lord. We can listen with patience, forgive one another, speak with kindness, and hold firmly to God’s truth. Our differences do not have to become reasons for division.
Scripture: John 17:20–26
One in Christ, Faithful to His Call
The church is called to be faithful to Christ and to the mission He gave us. In Matthew 28, Jesus tells His disciples to go and make disciples of all nations, baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and teach them to obey His commands.
Our calling is not only to speak the gospel, but also to help people follow Jesus. Unity and mission belong together. Rather than competing with one another, we can work together to share His message and show His love.
Jesus gives us a promise for this work: “I am with you always.” We do not have to depend only on our own strength. We can trust His presence as we obey Him.
Scripture: Matthew 28:16–20
Living Out His Prayer
Let us begin with simple steps: pray for one another, make peace where we can, help someone in need, and share the good news of Jesus. Let us choose love over pride and faithfulness over rivalry.
Jesus prayed that we would be one. May we live in a way that reflects His prayer—close to Him, grounded in His truth, and united in His love.
A Prayer
Father, thank You for the love You have shown us through Jesus. Help us know You more deeply. Keep us faithful to Your word, protect us from evil, and teach us to love one another. Make us one in Christ as we share the gospel and help others follow Him. Amen.
Minister A Francine Green, November 2026