Picture the world to which Jesus came. The majority of the world was filled with pagan idols and philosophy. Though the Roman Empire was developing a more sophisticated form of government, it was still cruel and violent. God's chosen people, Israel, were scattered all over the empire. Those who lived in the actual nation of Israel were painfully aware of the domination of Rome. For centuries they had been dominated by the Babylonians & the Assyrians, the Medes & the Persians, the Greeks - and now the Romans. They had God's Word and they had God's house (the Temple), but they had become factious and divided. Politics and tradition had clouded the true and sincere use of Scripture. Their national pride as well as their anger and distrust towards Gentiles caused them to build barriers between themselves and others around them. Though they were no longer entangled by idolatry, their religion was more about outward form and social control.

Christ came to set the record straight; to give Israel a front-end alignment - a reboot! Israel needed a fresh introduction to their God and to the spirit of the law. More than teaching lessons and doing good works, Christ would also have to sacrifice His life, pay for the sins of His people and - by His resurrection - infuse a new life into those who believe on Him. As Christ prepared to make that sacrifice He prayed to His Father (John 17). In this intercessory and priestly prayer we can discover what the essence of His earthly ministry was and what it means to us. We will examine His prayer noting the phrase, "I have."

Christ glorified the Father and finished the work given by the Father. John17:1-4

Christ manifested (declared) the name of the Father unto His disciples. John17:6,26
       See John 5:19-24 (I John 2:22-23); 14:6-9,23 (I John 1:1-3) cp. I Corinthians 15:24-28. See also John 1:18; 2:13-17; 4:21-24; 8:12-19; 10:15-18; 10:27-38; 14:15-26 (He did not use the name "Jehovah." Rather, He introduce the concept of the Trinity); 15:1-10,15; 16:28.

Application: II Corinthians 3:18 cp. 5:17-21.

Christ gave the disciples the words of the Father. John 17:8,14

Christ kept the disciples (gathered, taught and protected them). John 17:12

Christ sent His disciples into the world. John 17:18

Christ gave the disciples glory (i.e. a unifying purpose and power which comes from the Father and glorifies the Father). John 17:1,5,22

Christ knew the Father (i.e. was intimate with the Father and confessed Him to others). John 17:25-26