The High Priestly Prayer

In this message from John 17, we explore what is commonly called the High Priestly Prayer—the longest recorded prayer of Jesus in the Gospels. On the eve of His arrest and crucifixion, Christ lifts His eyes to heaven and prays to the Father, revealing His heart for the mission of redemption. Jesus first prays for His own glorification so that the Father would be glorified through the completion of the work of salvation.

He then intercedes for His disciples, asking the Father to keep them, protect them from the evil one, and sanctify them through the truth of God’s Word. This prayer shows that believers remain in the world not to escape it, but to be sent into it as witnesses of the gospel. Christ also prays for the unity of His people so that the world would recognize the divine origin of the gospel message.

Remarkably, Jesus extends His prayer beyond the apostles to include all who would believe through their word—meaning believers today are included in this prayer. The passage reveals the deep love of Christ for His people and His ongoing work of intercession on their behalf.

Because Jesus has prayed for His people, they will be kept, sanctified, united, and ultimately brought safely to glory. As we begin the “Road to the Resurrection” series, John 17 reminds us that our salvation rests in the faithful intercession of our great High Priest.