1. The Place of Glory
John 17:1-5

2. Christ’s relationship to the Father was always a high priority…
The number of times He referenced the Father during His earthly ministry is highly instructive
The special prayer of Christ gives great insight into that relationship
This chapter is not technically considered a part of the Upper Room Discourse…

3. He probably prayed this prayer in the upper room, though…
Warren Wiersbe wrote, "Whether He prayed it in the Upper Room or en route to the Garden, this much is sure: it is the greatest prayer ever prayed on earth and the greatest prayer recorded anywhere in Scripture. John 17 is certainly the 'holy of holies' of the Gospel record, and we must approach this chapter in a spirit of humility and worship."

4. The main theme of this prayer…
…is Jesus’ desire for the Father’s glory and the disciples’ welfare
Other themes include: Jesus’ obedience to the Father, the revelation of God through the Son, the calling of the disciples out of the world, their mission, their unity and their destiny
The first part of this prayer focuses on Jesus’ request for the Father’s glory

5. The first subject of this prayer is one we do not think about routinely…
What is glory and how does it relate to Christ and to us?
Glory is formally defined as praise, honor or distinction extended by common consent
Or, worshipful praise, honor and thanksgiving
Or, something that secures praise or renown
Or, a distinguished quality or asset…

6. I. Glory is Associated with an Action and a Relationship
“Jesus spoke these words, lifted up His eyes to heaven, and said: “Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son also may glorify You,” (John 17:1, NKJV)

7. A. A lesson from the prayer style of Jesus
The context – “these words” connect with the previous “these things…” of chapters 14-16
The attitude – “He lifted up His eyes…”
The timing – “…the hour has come”

8. B. A lesson from the dependent relationship of Jesus
Glory for the Son was identified with the completion of His earthly purpose
His request to be glorified was not in isolation
His request to be glorified was not selfish

9. II. Glory is Associated with Authority and a Provision
“as You have given Him authority over all flesh, that He should give eternal life to as many as You have given Him. And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.” (John 17:2–3, NKJV)

10. A. Jesus had delegated authority for His incarnational task
Both verses 2 and 3 are explanatory, and consequently are somewhat parenthetical
Jesus became flesh in order to exercise authority over all flesh

11. B. Jesus had responsibility to provide eternal life to the elect
Eternal life is a selective gift
Eternal life is for those who know God
God is knowable only through Jesus Christ whom He sent

12. III. Glory is Associated with a Completed Task and an Original State
“I have glorified You on the earth. I have finished the work which You have given Me to do. And now, O Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was.” (John 17:4–5, NKJV)

13. A. The Father is glorified by the obedience of His children
The Son of God glorified His Father by consistent obedience
We glorify our heavenly Father by obedience to Him as well

14. B. The Son is glorified according to His original state
This indicates that Jesus was glorified together with the Father before the creation of the world
This indicates the Son’s desire to return to His original state of glory