A New Sermon Series in August: The Lord’s Prayer – John 17

In Mark 14 and Luke 22 we are told that the last Passover meal Jesus ate with his disciples took place in a large Upper Room in Jerusalem.  In John 13 – 16, the day before his crucifixion, we are given a detailed description of the final hours of Jesus on this earth. Not only does Jesus set apart his last Passover meal as the Lord’s Supper - marking this as a sign of the New Covenant - but he also washes their feet, predicts who would betray him, emphasizes the greatest commandment, foretells Peter’s denial and then promises the Holy Spirit after his departure saying: “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace.  In the world you will have tribulation.  But take heart; I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33

But that is not all!  He closes out his time with a prayer – the longest in the New Testament. Only John’s Gospel records the most important and intimate conversation EVER recorded.  This is how it begins:

“When Jesus had spoken these words, he lifted up his eyes to heaven and said: “Father the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you…”                                   - John 17:1

What follows is The Lord’s Prayer - and it is like no other.  From beginning to end - it reveals the heart of God for his lost and wayward children.  And the good news - it is still being answered!