COMPLETE YOUR WORK
Our prayers often reveal who we are and what is important to
us.
Nearing Easter—study the life of Jesus—John 17—“High Priestly
Prayer of Jesus”—prayer for Himself, prayer for disciples, prayer for future
disciples
John 17:1-9
Jesus nearing the Cross—the most important event of His
earthly life—Jn 13-17, probably in upper room with disciples night He was
betrayed
What was Jesus’ work?
1) v. 2 Jesus came to give eternal life
2) v. 3 What is eternal life—knowing God
through knowing Jesus
Our prayers often reveal who we are and what is important to
us.
Nearing Easter—study the life of Jesus—John 17—“High Priestly
Prayer of Jesus”—prayer for Himself, prayer for disciples, prayer for future
disciples
John 17:1-9
Jesus nearing the Cross—the most important event of His
earthly life—Jn 13-17, probably in upper room with disciples night He was
betrayed
What was Jesus’ work?
1) v. 2 Jesus came to give eternal life
2) v. 3 What is eternal life—knowing God
through knowing Jesus
a. Not just head knowledge nor a one time knowledge
b. Growing, maturing knowledge—heart knowledge
c. Real disciples continue seeking to know God better—a growing knowledge of God and
Jesus
d. Part of growing knowledge is patterning life after the One we come to know—Jesus is our
pattern—we to follow Him
3) v. 4 Jesus completed the work God gave Him to do—anticipation of going to the Cross—to die for our sins
4) But in context of passage—completing His work had more to it:
a. V. 6 I revealed you to those you
gave me—Jesus lived like God—people saw and experienced Jesus, they experienced
God
b. Jesus revealed—people obeyed
c. V. 7 They knew everything Jesus had came
from God—the source, the beginning
d. V. 8 Jesus gave them the words God gave Him
to share with them—they accepted them—as from God—success
e. Jesus revealing God led to their belief—their faith and trust—recognized God and His
place
5) Jesus’ completed work on earth was salvation—but it was also revealing God and God’s
Word—so that people would believe in God, obey His Word, and live like God.
6) Our challenge is to do the same—to complete our work—our purpose for living life
a. We can’t die so others will be saved
b. We can live to reveal God
i. Pattern our life
after His—love, forgiveness, sacrifice for others—live by godly values
ii. Teach others to
obey God—by our example—by our words
iii. Pray for
others—as Jesus did in v. 9 ff.
7) Jesus came to save and then disciple others
8) We are to live to reveal God and disciple others
Are you completing your task as a believer in Christ?
Who looks to you as an example of Jesus? Who are you teaching, through words and life,
to obey God?
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