Praying Through Change - Day 04
Day 04 - Thursday, October 19
Read John 17
Highlight
Traditionally, John 17 is called “the high priestly prayer of Jesus,” because it reflects the role of a High Priest in Leviticus 16. The Day of Atonement, which God established to happen each year on the tenth day of the seventh month. On this day, the High Priest was to purify himself, offer sacrifices, enter into the Most Holy Place in the temple, and would intercede on behalf of the whole Israelite nation.
Jesus is both the High Priest interceding on our behalf and later the sacrifice taking our sin upon himself. While he is both, this prayer highlights him interceding on behalf of his disciples and “those who will believe in me through their message” (v. 20). That refers to the modern church and the generations of people who have lived and died believing that Jesus is who he says he is and is one with the Father.
The author of Hebrews connects Jesus as the great high priest in chapters 4-9. Yet it is Hebrews 7:26-28 that sums Leviticus 16, John 17 and the whole Gospel up so well.
“Such a high priest truly meets our need—one who is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens. Unlike the other high priests, he does not need to offer sacrifices day after day, first for his own sins, and then for the sins of the people. He sacrificed for their sins once and for all when he offered himself. For the law appoints as high priests men in all their weakness; but the oath, which came after the law, appointed the Son, who has been made perfect forever.”
Reflection & Prayer
For this reading plan we will be using a tool to guide our study of Scripture that’s called the S.O.A.P. Method. It stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. We recommend you use a journal with this method and write out your thoughts on each of these areas for each day of reading. It doesn’t have to be long-winded and you don’t need a fancy journal. But for anyone that has not journaled before, the benefit is that it often helps us focus and avoid distractions during prayer and Bible study.
S.O.A.P. Method
Scripture - Pick a verse or two that stood out to you and write it in your journal. Be looking for a “Holy Spirit Highlight.” What did you read and think “I needed to hear that” or felt like it was written just for you?
Observation - Now write some observations about the verse(s) or passage. What is this passage or verse saying? About God? About people? How is Jesus revealed in these verses?
Application - Now write a few sentences on how this passage applies to your life. Is there truth about God that you are to believe? A promise to receive? Is the Holy Spirit convicting you of something you need to do or stop doing in light of God’s truth?
Prayer - Now write out a prayer to God in response to this Scripture. This is a way to turn God’s Word to you back to Him. Be honest and express your heart to Him. God always listens and He delights in your prayers. (Psalm 34:15; Proverbs 15:8)
Read John 17
Highlight
Traditionally, John 17 is called “the high priestly prayer of Jesus,” because it reflects the role of a High Priest in Leviticus 16. The Day of Atonement, which God established to happen each year on the tenth day of the seventh month. On this day, the High Priest was to purify himself, offer sacrifices, enter into the Most Holy Place in the temple, and would intercede on behalf of the whole Israelite nation.
Jesus is both the High Priest interceding on our behalf and later the sacrifice taking our sin upon himself. While he is both, this prayer highlights him interceding on behalf of his disciples and “those who will believe in me through their message” (v. 20). That refers to the modern church and the generations of people who have lived and died believing that Jesus is who he says he is and is one with the Father.
The author of Hebrews connects Jesus as the great high priest in chapters 4-9. Yet it is Hebrews 7:26-28 that sums Leviticus 16, John 17 and the whole Gospel up so well.
“Such a high priest truly meets our need—one who is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens. Unlike the other high priests, he does not need to offer sacrifices day after day, first for his own sins, and then for the sins of the people. He sacrificed for their sins once and for all when he offered himself. For the law appoints as high priests men in all their weakness; but the oath, which came after the law, appointed the Son, who has been made perfect forever.”
Reflection & Prayer
For this reading plan we will be using a tool to guide our study of Scripture that’s called the S.O.A.P. Method. It stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. We recommend you use a journal with this method and write out your thoughts on each of these areas for each day of reading. It doesn’t have to be long-winded and you don’t need a fancy journal. But for anyone that has not journaled before, the benefit is that it often helps us focus and avoid distractions during prayer and Bible study.
S.O.A.P. Method
Scripture - Pick a verse or two that stood out to you and write it in your journal. Be looking for a “Holy Spirit Highlight.” What did you read and think “I needed to hear that” or felt like it was written just for you?
Observation - Now write some observations about the verse(s) or passage. What is this passage or verse saying? About God? About people? How is Jesus revealed in these verses?
Application - Now write a few sentences on how this passage applies to your life. Is there truth about God that you are to believe? A promise to receive? Is the Holy Spirit convicting you of something you need to do or stop doing in light of God’s truth?
Prayer - Now write out a prayer to God in response to this Scripture. This is a way to turn God’s Word to you back to Him. Be honest and express your heart to Him. God always listens and He delights in your prayers. (Psalm 34:15; Proverbs 15:8)
Posted in Praying Through Change