The High Priestly Prayer Part 4

Reverend Kent Compton's sermon, "High Priestly Prayer Part 4," delivered the concluding message in his series on Jesus' final prayer for His disciples, focusing on John 17:20-26. This final section of the prayer shifts from the immediate disciples to all future believers, as Jesus prays, "I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word." Compton underscored the powerful connection between the apostles’ testimony and the faith of every subsequent generation of Christians, acknowledging that modern believers are direct beneficiaries of this prayer. The core request in this passage is for the unity of all believers, a unity that reflects the perfect relationship between the Father and the Son, praying "that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us."

Compton explained that this unity is not merely organizational or emotional, but a deep, spiritual oneness rooted in the life of God. This divine unity has a profound evangelistic purpose: "so that the world may believe that you have sent me." The love and oneness among Christians, despite their diverse backgrounds, interests, and personalities, serves as a visible, powerful testimony to a watching world that God is truly among them. Compton noted that this was a hallmark of the early church, whose unity led to the historical observation, "Look how they love one another." Thus, for Compton, Christian unity becomes the ultimate proof of Christ's mission and the love of God.

The sermon concluded by addressing Jesus' ultimate desire for His people, which is glory. Jesus prays, "Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory that you have given me." Compton highlighted the tenderness of this request—it is the ultimate longing of the Good Shepherd for His flock to be with Him in eternal bliss. This desire is rooted in the Father’s eternal love for the Son, a love that existed "before the foundation of the world." Compton reminded the congregation that the glory promised to them is not something they earned, but a gift of grace, ensuring that all believers will ultimately share in the sight of Christ’s splendor and complete the purpose for which they were redeemed.