1. Is this the same as the prayer in Gethsemane (Matthew 26:36)? The prayer in Matthew is in the Garden of Gethsemane. The prayer in John 17 does not look like it was in the Garden because John 18:1 talks about Jesus crossing the Brook Cedron to go to the Garden.
2. For what three persons or groups did Jesus pray? He prayed for Himself, for the eleven disciples, and for all believers.
3. What is the key word for each of the three aspects of Christ's prayer? When He prayed for Himself, the key word was glorify. When He prayed for His disciples, the key word was keep. When He prayed for all believers, the key word was one, as in together in one accord.
4. What is the basis for His request for each of the three persons/groups? He prayed for Himself because He had power over all flesh, because He had finished His work, and because He had had glory in eternity past. He prayed for the eleven so that the disciples might have joy and be united. He prayed for all believers because they had been given to Him, because He had given them His word, and because all of His are the Father's.
5. What is the difference between unity and union? He prayed for unity among believers so that they might be in one accord. He prayed for union with His believers so that we might behold His glory.
Tom of Spotswood"He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life." (I John 5:12)
"And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart." (Jeremiah 29:13)
Index to Selected Essays And Book Reviews
Lesson 20 - Christ - The Faithful One
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