Lent 2023: John 17:1-5

Jesus Prays for Himself

17 Jesus spoke these things, looked up to heaven, and said, “Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son so that the Son may glorify you, 2 since you gave him authority over all people,[a] so that he may give eternal life to everyone you have given him. 3 This is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and the one you have sent —Jesus Christ. 4 I have glorified you on the earth by completing the work you gave me to do. 5 Now, Father, glorify me in your presence with that glory I had with you before the world existed.

—John 17:1-5

Read & Journal

Read John 17:1-5. Consider these questions as you ponder what you’ve read:

• What does this passage teach you about Jesus, his purpose or his mission?

• What did you learn about Christ’s relationship with the Father? Explain.

• John 17 records Jesus’ longest prayer, known as his “High Priestly Prayer.” How does knowing these words came just before his betrayal comfort you? Challenge you?

• “To know you” in verse 3 connotes experience and intimacy. How did Jesus’ work on earth make it possible for us to know and be in relationship with the Father?

• How do these verses help you better understand the gospel?

• Jesus laid aside all that he deserved to come to earth and become like us. Journal your prayer of response to that truth, reflecting on what you’ve read today.