Below is the outline used during our introduction to the John 17 study. As we began this series on Jesus’ High Priestly Prayer we looked at some of the background behind it.
- Is this the traditional Lord’s Prayer?
- No, that is found in Matthew 6:9-13
- Looking at the surrounding chapters of John, how would we say that the High Priestly Prayer fits in to Jesus’ last week on earth?
- Ch. 12 The triumphal entry
- Ch. 13 Jesus washes the disciples feet
- Judas’ betrayal and Peter’s denial are predicted
- Ch. 14 The way to the Father is taught
- Ch. 15 Jesus teaches on abiding using the Vine and the branches
- Ch. 16 Jesus promises that sorrow would turn to joy
- He promises the Counselor
- Jesus proclaims victory through what is about to happen
- Ch. 17 The High Priestly Prayer
- Ch. 18 Vs. 1 tells us where this occurred (actually, where it did not occur, namely Gethsemane)
- Let’s examine where and when these things occurred.
- Ch. 12 The triumphal entry made 1 week before his death (Friday afternoon)
- Ch. 13 The washing of the disciples feet would have been done upon entering upper room (Our Thursday evening, Jewish Friday)
- Jesus’ predictions were given during supper
- Ch. 14 This teaching, known as “His Farewell Discourse” probably took place while they were still around the dinner table (because of John 14:31).
- But also look at Mark 14:26 & Matthew 26:30 (the hymn singing would have been done as they left the upper room and was probably a Psalm)
- Ch. 15 & 16 This discourse taught on the way to Gethsemane, probably on the city streets of Jerusalem
- Ch. 17 Prayer done before (see John 18:1) crossing the Kidron Valley, probably in the temple courts
- One thing we did not examine is what occurred between John chapter 12 and chapter 13
- All week they went back and forth between the cities of Bethany and Jerusalem
- Monday: Jesus cleanses the temple
He curses the fig tree
- Tuesday: He predicts the destruction of Jerusalem
And He predicts His 2nd coming
Mary of Bethany anoints His body for burial
Judas arranges Jesus’ betrayal
- Wednesday: Would have been a day of rest
- Thursday: Dinner in the upper room with constant bickering
Memorial supper established (we call it The Lord’s
Supper)
- A couple of more notes**:
- Chapters 13 to 17 in John really belong together. There is first the effort of Jesus to stop the bickering of the Twelve, then His warning and their reply. Jesus continues to address them with repeated interruption (dialogue), but finally they fear to ask Him further (monologue). The discourse concludes with the wonderful prayer (the real Lord’s Prayer) in chapter 17. ** From A. T. Robertson “A Harmony of the Gospels” Harper & Brothers Publishers, 1922, page 197
- Chapters 14 – 17 are called the Heart of Christ. Nowhere does the Master laye bare His very soul more completely than here in chapters 15 and 16, with the allegory of the Vine and the teaching concerning the Holy Spirit. (**Ibid page 198)
- And, what is a simple outline+ for John 17?
- The seventeenth chapter of John’s Gospel contains the longest recorded prayer of Jesus. It is often called His “high priestly” prayer because He assumed the role of the high priest in making intercession for the people and offering a sacrifice on their behalf. Soon He would make the ultimate sacrifice for His people-His own death on the cross. In this prayer, Jesus prayed for Himself (vv. 1-5), His disciples (vv. 6-19), and future believers (vv. 20-26). As He faced His suffering and death, He reviewed His life and ministry, rejoiced in His experiences with His followers, and looked forward to the unity and love that God and the redeemed will share in eternity.+ From George W. Knight “A Simplified Harmony of the Gospels” Holman Bible Publishers 2001, page 219
- Your assignment for the next couple of weeks. As you study John 17 look at two things:
- What Jesus says about Himself
- Look at the “so that’s” in this passage
- These are the things that Jesus prays, “…so that…” something else may occur
|
