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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.com | DownloadWilliam Burkitt Notes and Observations - John 17:11 - 17:11
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Here observe, 1. Our Saviour's present condition: I am no more in the world: that is, I shall continue on earth but a small time longer, and then ascend to my Father in heaven.
Learn thence, that Jesus Christ, as he is man, he is gone out of this lower world into the immediate presence of his Father; he had been abased before, he must be exalted now; he had no more work to do on earth, but much to do in heaven, therefore he left this earth to go to heaven.
Observe, 2. Our Saviour's prayer to his Father for his apostles, before he left the world: Holy Father, keep them; that is, preserve them by thy divine power and goodness, for the glory of thy holy name.
Here note, 1. The title and appellation given to God, Holy Father.
Thence learn, that when we go to God in pryaer, especially for grace and sanctification, we must look upon him as an holy Father, as essentially and originally holy, as infinitely and independently holy.
Note, 2. The supplication requested of God: Keep through thy name those whom thou hast given me.
Thence learn, that the perseverance of the saints in a state of grace, is the sweet effect and fruit of Christ's prayer: Christ has begged it, and it cannot be denied; there being such an harmony and sweet consent betwixt the will of the Father the will of the Son.
Three things concur to the believer's perseverance.
On the Father's part there is everlasting love, and all sufficient power.
On the Son's part, there is everlasting merit, and constant intercession.
On the Spirit's part, there is a perpetual inhabitation, and continued influence.
Observe, 3. The end of Christ's supplication on behalf of his people: That they may be one, as we are one.
Here note, 1. That the heart of Christ is exceedingly set upon the unity and oneness of his members. The believers' union with Christ their head, and one with another, has some resemblance to that unity that is betwixt the Father and the Son. For it is an holy and Spiritual union, a close and intimate union, an indissoluble and inseparable union.