John 17: Group Study Handout

How to use: read John 17 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

Jesus begins by praying for his glorification, asking the Father to 'glorify your Son, that your Son may also glorify you' (vv. 1-5). He states that he has accomplished the work given to him and reveals his relationship with God.

Key verse

“Not for these only do I pray, but for those also who will believe in me through their word,”
John 17:20 (WEB)

Outline

John 17:1–5 Jesus Prays for His Glorification
John 17:6–10 Jesus Prays for His Disciples
John 17:11–19 Prayer for Protection and Sanctification
John 17:20–23 Prayer for Future Believers
John 17:24–26 Desire for Eternal Fellowship

Discussion questions

In v11, what does Jesus ask the Father to keep them through?
What does Jesus mean by 'sanctify them in your truth' in v17?
In v12, why does Jesus mention 'the son of destruction' when praying for His disciples?
In v20, what does Jesus imply by praying 'not for these only' but also for future believers?
When have you felt a need for unity, like Jesus expresses in v21?

Go deeper

Passages that echo John 17: Romans 8, John 14, John 1.

Before next time: read John 18.