Unlocking the True Lord’s Prayer: A Look into John 17

 Based on Scott Mitchell's Bible lesson “The Lord’s Prayer, Part 1: Jesus’ True Prayer in John 17.

The Misunderstood “Lord’s Prayer”

When most people think of “The Lord’s Prayer,” they recall the familiar words from Luke 11 or Matthew 6:

“Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name…” (Luke 11:2)

While these verses contain vital instruction, Jesus was not praying here—He was teaching. What is often repeated in liturgical settings was never intended as a scripted prayer. Instead, it was a model for how one ought to approach the Father in sincerity and humility.

But if we are to truly identify the Lord’s own prayer, we must look to John 17—a deeply intimate moment between the Son and the Father. This is where we witness Jesus not teaching how to pray, but actually praying.

A Prayer Rooted in Eternity

John 17 opens with these striking words:

“Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee.” (John 17:1)

This petition reveals a unique moment in history—God the Son, on the eve of His crucifixion, preparing to fulfill His redemptive work. Jesus references the eternal life He gives (John 17:2-3) and the glory He shared with the Father before the world began (John 17:5). These declarations affirm Christ's pre-existence, deity, and divine mission.

Compare this to John 1:1-3:

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”

Christ was not merely a teacher—He is the Creator and Sustainer (Colossians 1:16-17), sent to reveal the Father and redeem fallen man.

Jesus’ Intercession for His Disciples

In His prayer, Jesus turns attention to His disciples:

“I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world…” (John 17:6)

He acknowledges their faith and obedience, and He intercedes on their behalf—not for the world (John 17:9)—but for those given to Him. He prays for their unity, protection, and sanctification in truth (John 17:11-17). His concern reflects a spiritual battle: the disciples are in the world, but not of it (John 17:14-16), echoing Paul’s teaching in Ephesians 2:1-3.

This distinct separation calls believers to walk in newness of life, having been translated into the kingdom of God's dear Son (Colossians 1:13).

The Gospel of the Kingdom vs. the Gospel of Grace

A critical distinction lies between the Gospel of the Kingdom, which offered national salvation to Israel (Matthew 6:14-15), and the Gospel of Grace revealed to Paul for all nations (Colossians 2:13).

The Lord taught the disciples conditional forgiveness under the kingdom gospel. However, Paul later reveals that forgiveness for the believer today is complete and unconditional, not earned or maintained by works or rituals. As Colossians 2:13 says:

“…having forgiven you all trespasses.”

Judas and the “Son of Perdition”

One of the most sobering moments in Jesus’ prayer is this:

“...none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled.” (John 17:12)

This title—“son of perdition”—is later applied to the Antichrist (2 Thessalonians 2:3-4), drawing a prophetic parallel between Judas Iscariot and the final man of sin. Both betray truth. Both are empowered by Satan. And both fulfill scripture pointing to a climactic rebellion against God.

Citizens of a Higher Kingdom

Jesus declared:

“My kingdom is not of this world…” (John 18:36)

As followers of Christ, we no longer belong to the domain of darkness. We are now positioned in the light of His kingdom. This truth isn’t merely theological—it reshapes our entire identity. We are not striving to enter the kingdom—we have been placed in it through faith.

A Final Word on Prayer

Jesus never intended prayer to be empty repetition or ritualistic phrasing. His model was one of reverence, dependency, and intimacy with the Father. The prayer in John 17 is not only a blueprint—it is a revelation of the heart of God, the mission of the Son, and the inheritance of believers.

The question we must ask ourselves is: Are we trusting in liturgy or in the Person of Christ?

“Search the scriptures… they are they which testify of me.” (John 5:39)

Listen and Learn More

This teaching is part of a deeper two-part series exploring the real meaning behind what is often misunderstood as “The Lord’s Prayer.” We invite you to listen to the full message on the Bible Mysteries Podcast to gain further insight into John 17 and what it reveals about your salvation, identity, and spiritual calling.

Click here to listen now.