AGENTS OF GLORY: Jesus prays for his disciples so they can build his church

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ONE INCREDIBLE PRAYER

Rev. D. Johns Sunday May 23 2010 Pentecost Sunday
Part #1: AGENTS OF GLORY
Jesus Prays For His Disciples So They Can Build His Church
John 17:6-19

Context: Verses 1-5 = Jesus prays for himself
Verses 6-19 = Jesus prays for his disciples
Verses 20-26 = Jesus prays for future believers

Key verse: John 17:18 (see also John 20:21)
“As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world.”

• So how was Jesus sent into the world? John 1:14 = to live with us and reveal His glory: John 3:17 = to save, not condemn; Hebrews 1:1-3 = as a way for God to speak (note verse 8 = “for I [Jesus] gave them the words you gave me and they accepted them”

• So how was Jesus received by the world? John 1:5,9,10 = Jesus was light but not understood or recognized by darkness;

Yes, ministry into the world is dangerous! (hate – John 17:14; arrest, flogging, interrogation, persecution, death – Matthew 10:16-33)

This one exceptional prayer builds the courage of the disciples as they enter the world as God’s agents: Let the 5 courage builders found in every other odd numbered verse build your courage too!

Verse 9: I pray for them
Verse11: Protect them by the power of Your Name
Verse 13: that they may have the full measure of my joy
Verse 15: Protect them from The Evil One
Verse 17, 19: sanctify them