John 17:1-5: Summary:The Olivet Discourse (Jesus departing) is ended, moving immediately into prayer. John 17 is most properly the Lord's prayer. In this first section, we're party to the conversation of the Son directed trustingly to the Father. We get to hear Jesus pray. And He begins by asking the Father to glorify Himself by glorifying Christ in His death on the cross---in His purchase of eternal life for His people. Next, Jesus defines eternal life for His people. And finally, He expresses His utter confidence in the completion of the work the Father gave Him to do. This leads Him to ask for exaltation---the Man Christ Jesus to the throne and glory He had with the Father before the world existed. In this final request, we are comforted about our own destiny in Christ, and that, while we are at distance from Him now, it makes no difference, He is the Lord of all, and He's praying for us.

Sermon Outline:

Jesus' primary concern: the glory of the Father in the Son on earth. (17:1)

a) God glorified in the cross of Jesus. (17:1)

b) God glorified in the authority of Jesus. (17:2)

c) God glorified in the gift of Jesus. (17:3)

d) God glorified in the confidence of Jesus. (17:4)

Jesus' intercessory concern: the resumption of His glory in Heaven. (17:5)