In John 17, we have what is truly the Lord's prayer. John 17 represents the longest of Jesus' prayers that we have on record. There are some special things to note here:
1. Eternal life does not begin in heaven. It begins now. Jesus says in verse 3: "And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent." Eternal life is not just about a quantity of life. It is about a quality of life. And while the fullest quality of our life with Jesus is not known until heaven, we do begin to experience that quality now in knowing Jesus and the Father. The Gospel is not just for the future. It is for the present. And those with faith in Jesus have begun to taste heaven through their knowledge of Jesus.
2. It is amazing to think that Jesus prayed for each and every one of us. In verses 20-21, Jesus says: "I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me." Jesus prays for those who would believe in the future. And what does He pray for us? He prays that we would be one in the family of God. He also prays that we would live in the Father and Himself. In other words, Jesus asks that we would rely on the Father and Son's power. As we are united and empowered by the Spirit, we give witness to the world that Jesus is from heaven and that His words are true. May today's Church live up to this prayer.
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