Chapter Summary

Jesus' prayer of intercession.

Discussion Questions for John, Chapter 17

1. What example does Jesus set for us that He prays for Himself? What kind of dependency does this show? How does this encourage you to be more faithful in prayer?
2. What kind of emotions come to your mind when you read this chapter? How does Jesus's prayer show a profound love for His children?
3. Who is the "son of destruction" (HCSB) Jesus mentions? What does it mean that Jesus "lost" (HCSB) him? Does this teach us that people can lose their salvation? Why or why not?
4. How would you describe the "joy" (HCSB) of Jesus in this passage? Why can Jesus express joy in the face of the cross? Where does this joy come from?
5. In what ways does Jesus deflect the glory to the Father? Why is it important that Jesus makes the Father the center of the prayer and not Himself? How does this inform how we approach God in prayer?
6. What is the significance that Jesus was "before the world existed"? What does this teach us about His eternal nature? How does this prove that Jesus is not just a man, but God?
7. From this chapter, can you draw the conclusion that Jesus is equal with God? How does this inform your theology of God? What other religions might believe differently, and how can you use this passage to lead them to the truth?
8. Why does Jesus pray that God would not take the disciples "out of the world" (HCSB)? How does this teach us to endure suffering and hardships?
9. How do we prove that God's "word is truth" (HCSB)? What does that mean? How do we determine accurately what is truth and what is not?
10. Why is it important that the Father and the Son "love" (HCSB) each other? How would you describe this love between the Father and the Son?

Key Words/Phrase

Intercession, v. 9.

Characters

God, Jesus, disciples, Judas.

Strong Verse(s)

3, 11, 17, 18, 21, 24.