As teenagers, it can be challenging to understand our place in God’s plan. We often struggle with finding our identity and purpose in life. However, in John 17, Jesus prays for his disciples, and through his prayer, we can learn about our role as followers of Christ.
Bible Reading: John 17:1-5
1 After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed:
“Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you. 2 For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him. 3 Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. 4 I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do. 5 And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began.
Explanation
- In verse 1, Jesus acknowledges that the time has come for him to complete his mission on earth. He prays for his glorification so that he can fulfill his role as the savior of the world.
- Jesus notes in verse 2 that he has been given authority over all people to grant eternal life to those who believe in him.
- In verse 3, Jesus explains that eternal life is knowing the one true God and Jesus Christ whom he sent.
- Jesus states that he has brought glory to God on earth by completing the work that God gave him to do (verse 4).
- In verse 5, Jesus prays for his glorification in God’s presence once again.
Bible Reading: John 17:6-8
6 “I have revealed you to those whom you gave me out of the world. They were yours; you gave them to me and they have obeyed your word. 7 Now they know that everything you have given me comes from you. 8 For I gave them the words you gave me and they accepted them. They knew with certainty that I came from you, and they believed that you sent me.
Explanation
- In verse 6, Jesus acknowledges that God gave him specific people out of the world. These people were God’s, but he entrusted them to Jesus.
- Jesus notes that these individuals have obeyed God’s word (verse 6).
- In verse 7, Jesus states that his disciples know that everything he has comes from God.
- He explains in verse 8 that he taught his disciples the words God gave him, and they believed that he came from God.
Bible Reading: John 17:9-11
9 I pray for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given me, for they are yours. 10 All I have is yours, and all you have is mine. And glory has come to me through them. 11 I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name, the name you gave me, so that they may be one as we are one.
Explanation
- Jesus prays specifically for his disciples in verse 9. He notes that he is not praying for the world, but those God has given to him.
- In verse 10, Jesus acknowledges that everything he has is from God, and everything God has is his.
- Jesus states that he has received glory through his disciples (verse 11).
- He also asks God to protect his disciples in the world and unify them as one, just as Jesus and God are one.
Discussion Questions
1. What does it mean to have eternal life?
2. How does knowing God and Jesus Christ bring us peace and purpose in life?
3. Why do you think Jesus prays specifically for his disciples and not the world in this passage?
4. How can we apply Jesus’ prayer for unity in our relationships with other Christians?
Youth Group Game: Bible Verse Scavenger Hunt
Divide into teams and set a timer for 10-15 minutes. Each team will need to find as many Bible verses as possible that mention the words “eternal life” or “glory.” The team with the most verses at the end of the time wins.
Closing Prayer
Dear God, thank you for sending your Son, Jesus, to save us and give us eternal life. We pray that we can know you and Jesus more intimately and bring glory to your name. Help us to remain faithful to your word and to live in unity with other believers. In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen.