Who Prayed For Me?
John 17
Pastor Jerry Koller

Four Meanings of “World”
• It can mean the world or universe: creation.
• It can mean people/system that opposes God.
• It can mean humanity.
• It can mean the planet earth.

• The word “keep” falls within two spheres of understanding. In this verse, it has to do with active loyalty.
• The unity that the Father and Son have, Jesus prays the eleven will have for one another.

• The first part deals with the request that His followers not be taken out of the world ( a reference to people or systems that stand in opposition to God and His kingdom).
• The second part deals with asking the Father to keep them from evil, or the evil one.
• The “evil one” is referred to as the “ruler of this world” (12:31; 14:30; 16:11).
• Here we see the second sphere of understanding of the word “keep,” a reference to protective custody. Jesus prays that His followers would be kept from the influences of anything or anyone that stands in opposition to God, including the ruler of this world.

• Jesus points out how the Father’s word is truth.
• Truth is that which has been revealed by God, about God, about His creation, and about man and his responsibilities which is rooted in the character of God.
• “Word” is the translation of logos. It is a complete interconnected system of divine reason and truth as personified in Jesus Christ, the Son of God. (see John 1:14)

• Jesus prayed not only for the Eleven but also for those who would believe in Him as a result of their ministry in the world.

• As an example of this relational unity, Jesus points to the relationship between Himself and the Father.
• Why pray for unity” So that the world may believe that You sent Me.
• Jesus prayed for His followers would be one. Positionally, we are one.
• Jesus prayed for His people to have a deep relational unity that reflects oneness for that is what the world sees. (for “oneness,” see the example of marriage in Matt. 19:5-6)

• This fifth request focuses on the future, on what is to come.
• What Jesus prayed for is not something they had never heard before. He had mentioned this earlier to them. Now, He was praying for its fulfillment.
• He promised them that He would return for them so that where He is, they will be also.
• When He returns, those who believe in Him, past and present, will see His glory like never before.

• Jesus also mentions that those who believe in Him were given to Him from the Father.
• They were chosen and given to Him before anything that is was created.
And they were given out of love.

mission café
Sundays | 9:00-10:15am | Mission Cafe

worship
Sundays | 10:30am | Sanctuary
• If you're unable to join us in-person, you can watch live on Facebook or view later in the week on Facebook or YouTube or listen to an audio only version on Archive.

children’s worship
Sundays | 10:30am | Children’s Worship Room
• Ages 5 years old through 5th grade
• Does not meet on the first Sunday of each month.
• Contact Alyssa Newell for questions or more information.

men’s bible study
Tuesdays | 7:00-8:30pm | Mission Café
• Contact Paul Fitton or Larry Dobberstein for questions or more information.

church office open
Wednesdays | 11:00am-4:00pm

theology class
Wednesdays | 7:00-8:00pm | Main Foyer
• Closed course.

women’s craft group
Thursdays | 6:30pm | Craft Room
• Contact Tracy Marshall for questions or more information.

coming soon
• Women’s Book Study | Tuesdays | 7:00-8:30pm | Classroom 2 | Starting 9/22
• Theology Class Resumes | Wednesdays| 7:00-8:00pm | Classroom 2 | Starting 9/23
• Pumpkinfest | Saturday, 10/31 | 6:30-8:00pm | FBC Gym

• Henry Truer has a mass on his kidney, lymph nodes and sternum which are causing significant pain. He is waiting for biopsy results. Prayers for encouragement through this process and that his pain can be managed are appreciated
• Bruce Ferguson has healed from his procedure and will begin radiation for prostate cancer on 9/14.
• Alyssa Newell has been diagnosed with Lupus. She has an appointment in September to discuss a management plan; pray that the treatment options are successful.
• Joyce Bocock has a large hematoma in her thigh which is causing a significant amount of pain and making it difficult for her to walk.
• Marge Benham has a lump on her shoulder that has been found to be cancerous. She will have radiation and surgery this summer and the doctors are confident this is treatable and beatable.
• Dylan Goff's fiance, Taylor, who is recovering from a stroke and will probably have a procedure done to repair a hole in her heart within the next few weeks.
• Check out our monthly prayer card on-line at southhavenfbc.com under “Weekly Bulletins” for a list of those with on-going needs.

First Baptist Church
1635 76th Street
South Haven, MI 49090
269-637-1291
southhavenfbc@gmail.com