​THE OVERCOMER’S PRAYER

​THE OVERCOMER’S PRAYER

Most theologians who have attempted to harmonize the accounts of the four Gospels have the Lord Jesus saying the prayer of John 17 in the Upper Room after He had finished His instructions to the disciples. Then He and the disciples sang the traditional Passover psalms, left the Upper Room, and went to the garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus had been accustomed to meet with them and pray (see Matthew 26:30–46 and Mark 14:26–42).

Whether He prayed it in the Upper Room or on the way to the garden, one thing is certain: it is the greatest prayer ever prayed on earth and the greatest prayer recorded anywhere in Scripture. John 17 is indeed the “Holy of Holies” of the gospel record, and we need to come to this chapter with a spirit of humility and worship. Can we believe that we are privileged to overhear a conversation between God the Son and His Father just before He offers His life as a ransom for sinners?

Whatever happened later that night, this prayer demonstrates that Jesus was and is the Overcomer. He was not a “victim”; He is and was the Victor! “Be of good cheer,” He had encouraged His disciples, “I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). The word "world" appears nineteen times in this prayer, making the connection between the prayer and John 16:33 clear. If you and I heed and apply the truths revealed in this profound prayer, we too shall be overcomers.

It is not difficult to trace the current of thought in this prayer. Jesus prayed for Himself first and told the Father that His work on earth was complete (John 17:1-5). Then He prayed that the Father would keep His disciples and sanctify them (John 17:6-19). He ended His prayer by praying for you and me and the whole church that we might be one with Him and share His glory someday (John 17:20–26).

What is the purpose of Jesus’ prayer? He was surely preparing Himself for the sufferings that were to follow. He thought about the glory the Father had promised Him and received new strength for His sacrifice (Heb. 12:1-3). But He also had His disciples in mind (John 17:13). What a comfort that prayer must have been to them! He prayed for their safety, their joy, their oneness, and their future glory! And today, He prayed it for us. That we would know all He has done for us, all He has given us, and all He will do for us when we get to heaven.

In this prayer, our Lord lays down four wonderful privileges we have as children of God, privileges that help make us victors.