Pastor Bob teaches from John 17, where Jesus offers His High Priestly Prayer — the final and longest recorded prayer before He leaves the upper room and goes to Gethsemane. This moment reveals Jesus’ heart for Himself, His disciples, and the future church.
He begins by explaining why the Harmony of the Gospels matters: each gospel writer highlights different aspects of Jesus, and John uniquely records this prayer while the others move directly to the garden.
Jesus first prays for Himself, acknowledging that “the hour has come.” He asks the Father to glorify Him so He can glorify the Father, defines eternal life as knowing God intimately, and affirms that He has completed the work He was sent to do.
Jesus then prays for the eleven disciples, asking the Father to protect them, keep them unified, and sanctify them in the truth. He acknowledges the spiritual danger they will face, grieves Judas’ betrayal, and asks that His joy would be made full in them. Pastor Bob emphasizes that sanctification means being set apart for God’s purpose, and that the Word — empowered by the Holy Spirit — will be their defense.
Finally, Jesus prays for all future believers, asking that the worldwide church would be unified just as He and the Father are one. This unity is meant to testify to the world that Jesus truly was sent by God.
Pastor Bob closes by reminding the congregation that Jesus’ prayer is still active today — and challenges listeners to consider whether their lives reflect God’s glory and draw others toward Him.