John 17 -- The "Holy of Holies" of the Gospel

My commentary said that this chapter is the "Holy of Holies" of the gospel record.  "To think that we are privileged to listen in as God the Son converses with His Father just as He is about to give His life as a ransom for sinners!"

It also answered the question about defining eternal life:  "It is knowing God personally.  Not just knowing about Him, but having a personal relationship with Him through faith in Jesus Christ ... The Father answered His Son's request and gave Him the glory."

"He has also given the revelation of the Father's name ... In the Bible, 'name' refers to 'nature' ... By His words and deeds, He revealed to them the nature of God, as they were able to bear it ... Our safety depends on the nature of God, not our own character or conduct ... How precious we are in His sight!  How He watches over us and even now prays for us!"

The third section tells us how the Word of God enables us to overcome the world.  "It gives us joy, it assures us of His love, and it imparts God's power for holy living."

In the last section, I read:  "The lost world cannot see God, but they can see Christians, and what they see in us is what they will believe about God.  If they see love and unity, they will believe that God is love.  If they see hatred and division, they will reject the message of the gospel ... We must make sure that our witness is true and loving.  Some Christians are prosecuting attorneys and judges, instead of faithful witnesses, and this only turns lost sinners away from the Savior."

Father, thank You for sharing Jesus' prayers for His disciples with us.  Please continue to direct me to a much closer relationship with You.

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Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford