Experiencing God - Day 15
Day 15 - Friday, February 23
Read John 17
Highlight
Jesus knows that the end of his earthly ministry is here, which means that the words recorded in John 17 are in a way Jesus’ last words. Last words reveal priorities and concerns, both of which Jesus now puts before His Father in prayer.
This Chapter has traditionally been referred to as the “High Priestly Prayer” of Jesus. This refers to one of the roles of the Jewish High Priest, specifically the responsibility to intercede on behalf of the people. This is seen in the way that so much of the prayer is concerned with Jesus’ followers. This prayer, perhaps more than any other section of John’s Gospel, reveals the strong bonds of unity and mutual love between Father and Son.
This is most clear in verses 21-23, where Jesus prays for the unity of his future followers (i.e., us!) and compares that unity to the unity between He and the Father: “Just as you are in me and I am in you.” (v21). The unity that Jesus prays for is meant to be like the unity between Father and Son, which is to say a unity which does not require the members to lose their individual identities. Unity does not require uniformity, but it does require us to submit all other identities to the one we have in being a follower of Jesus. This kind of unity expresses itself in love, just like the unity between Father and Son.
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
Jesus knows that the end of his earthly ministry is here, which means that the words recorded in John 17 are in a way Jesus’ last words. Last words reveal priorities and concerns, both of which Jesus now puts before His Father in prayer.
This Chapter has traditionally been referred to as the “High Priestly Prayer” of Jesus. This refers to one of the roles of the Jewish High Priest, specifically the responsibility to intercede on behalf of the people. This is seen in the way that so much of the prayer is concerned with Jesus’ followers. This prayer, perhaps more than any other section of John’s Gospel, reveals the strong bonds of unity and mutual love between Father and Son.
This is most clear in verses 21-23, where Jesus prays for the unity of his future followers (i.e., us!) and compares that unity to the unity between He and the Father: “Just as you are in me and I am in you.” (v21). The unity that Jesus prays for is meant to be like the unity between Father and Son, which is to say a unity which does not require the members to lose their individual identities. Unity does not require uniformity, but it does require us to submit all other identities to the one we have in being a follower of Jesus. This kind of unity expresses itself in love, just like the unity between Father and Son.
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)
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