Introduction: A Prayer Worth Listening To
As part of the Sent series, Coggin has been tracing God’s mission from Scripture. Week one highlighted God’s long-standing desire to partner with humanity in redemption—from Moses, to Jesus, to the church. Week two focused on what Jesus was sent to accomplish. John 17 now answers a different question: what Jesus prays His people will do as those sent into the world.
John 17 matters because it records the longest prayer of Jesus in Scripture. On the eve of the cross, Jesus reveals what weighs most heavily on His heart. The chapter unfolds in three movements: Jesus prays for Himself, for His disciples, and for future believers—including every Christian today.
Like a loved one’s final words, this prayer deserves careful attention. Before suffering, Jesus prays for glory, faithfulness, unity, and hope. His prayer frames the mission of the church and clarifies what it means to live as people sent into the world with purpose and confidence.
Sent into the World to Glorify the Father (John 17:1–5)
Jesus begins by praying that the Father would be glorified. He declares that “the hour has come,” pointing to His crucifixion. Glory, in Scripture, is God’s goodness displayed and celebrated. Jesus does not add to God’s glory; He reveals it through obedience.
Jesus asks to be glorified so that He may glorify the Father by completing the work of redemption. His life, death, and resurrection all serve this singular aim. As the One sent by the Father, Jesus lives entirely for the Father’s will.
That priority now defines the church. Those sent into the world share Jesus’ goal: that God’s goodness would be seen and celebrated. Scripture repeatedly calls believers to live for God’s glory in every area of life. The mission is not merely to make converts, but to form worshipers who rejoice in who God is.
Sent into the World to Declare the Gospel (John 17:6–8)
Jesus explains that He has faithfully given the Father’s words to His disciples, and they have received and believed them. The gospel advances as people hear, believe, and trust in Jesus—not merely knowing about Him, but resting in Him.
This declaration does not belong only to pastors. Everyone sent into the world is called to proclaim the good news through conversations, relationships, and everyday faithfulness. As Romans 10 reminds us, people cannot believe unless they hear—and hearing requires someone who is sent.
Belief always leads to action. Genuine faith expresses itself through obedience, courage, and witness. Jesus sends His people so others may hear His words, believe the Father sent Him, and receive eternal life.
Sent into the World to Display God’s Glory (John 17:9–26)
Jesus prays that His followers would endure suffering faithfully, grow in holiness, and walk in unity. He does not ask for removal from the world, but for protection within it. Allegiance to Jesus places believers at odds with the world, yet Christ’s intercession secures their perseverance.
God sanctifies His people through His Word, shaping them to look more like Jesus. This holiness displays God’s glory publicly. Jesus also prays for unity—not uniformity, but shared life and mission centered on Christ. Such unity testifies to the truth of the gospel before a watching world.
Finally, Jesus anchors mission in hope. He longs for His people to be with Him forever. Confidence in that future fuels faithful living now for those sent into the world.
Conclusion: Living as the Sent
Jesus sends His people into the world to make God known until the day they are fully reunited with Him. The mission has already been given. The question is not whether believers are sent, but whether they are participating intentionally.
Until hearts are captivated by God’s glory, His mission will not move them. Those who truly see and celebrate Jesus will live as people faithfully sent into the world.
