In John 17 we find Jesus praying that His people would find joy in the Spirit, mission to do His work, and unity to show His glory. Christians often focus on petty differences, and constantly need to be refocused on the all consuming glory of Christ. If we, individually and corporately, look toward Christ as our example, we will get joy, be compelled to mission, and be unified through our common passion for the glory of God.

Last night I mentioned a book on John chapter 17 by a pastor named Martyn Lloyd-Jones. The book is called The Assurance of our Salvation: Exploring the Depth of Jesus’ Prayer for His Own. Google Books has almost the entire 672 page book online that you can read for free or you can purchase it from our favorite online bookstore, WTS Books.

Here’s the description from WTS Books:

In John 17, Jesus prays for His disciples and all believers. Martyn Lloyd-Jones draws out the timeless truths of this passage by looking at why and what Christ prayed and unfolding the majestic themes of our assurance of salvation, our union with God and other believers, and His loving care for us. This renowned preacher also explores the process of sanctification and living godly lives in the world. Specific and practical, he shows how we can respond to the very personal way in which the Spirit helps us live as new creatures in Christ.

With the cross approaching, Jesus paused to pray his longest prayer in all of the Scriptures. This prayer, known as The High Priestly Prayer, is recorded in the 17th chapter of the Gospel of John. Therein, we are privileged to listen to the inner dialogue of the Trinity as God the Son speaks to God the Father. This prayer is packed with deep theological and practical implications, such as faithfulness in trial, God’s goodness, God’s personhood, praying for oneself, Jesus’ eternality, His mission, resurrection, the World, the elect, perseverance of the saints, Jesus’ return to heaven, joy, and much more.