Andrew Fountain - Safe and Sent: Coming to Grips with the Challenge of Jesus in John 17

Goal:

To feel the impact of the challenge in this prayer
but not be discouraged, but empowered.

Plan for today

1. Recap of the prayer in John 17
2. The 4th prayer: Safe from the world
3. The 5th prayer: Sent into the world

Structure of John

John 13–21 “Book of Glory”

13 A meal with the disciples

21 A meal with the disciples

Prayers of John 17

1. (1–5) I have completed your mission and brought eternal life to humanity, so the time has come for me to come back to your side in glory.
2. (6–10) You entrusted me with your loved ones, so I fed them your words and they received them. I pray for them now because they belong to us both.
3. (11–13) Now I am leaving them, please keep them safe, and especially give them the kind of unity that we have.
4. (14–17) The world will hate them, but don’t take them out, rather keep them safe.
5. (17–19) Dedicate them to the truth and send them out to continue the mission that you sent me on.
6. (20–23) And as the mission grows, may the world see their love and unity and so believe in your love!
7. (24–26) And finally, I want them to be with me forever, enveloped in our love.

John 17:11–13 (outline)

11. I am no longer in the world,
    • but I am coming to you.
      • keep them safe
        • so that they may be one
        • just as we are one.
      • I kept them safe
    • but now I am coming to you,
13. May they have my joy completed in them

A very natural form

• I wish I could support my friends who are in need
      But I would need more income
          which would mean a better job
              So I am praying for this
              so that when God answers my prayer
          and gives me a better job
      and I have more income
  I can support those in need

John 17:14–17 (outline)

14. I gave them your word
    • the world rejects them, as it did me
      • but don’t take them out
      • just keep them safe
    • the world rejects them, as it did me
17. Your word is truth

John 17:17–19 (outline)

17. Make them 100% committed to the message
    • Just as you sent me into the world
      • So I send them
      • And for their sakes
    • I’m 100% committed
19. So that then will be 100% committed to the message

How can we respond?

• This is a very challenging message
• Ask yourself if you are really 100% committed to Jesus’ mission?
• But don’t feel condemned by this message, because Jesus was so gently with his disciples, and is committed to you
• If you are challenged by these words, Jesus would love you to ask him to show you what they mean in your life right now.
• Jesus, I want to be 100% committed. Please help me!
• Goal: To feel the impact of the challenge in this prayer, but not be discouraged, but empowered.