In the shadow of the cross, Jesus prays. The prayer recorded in John 17 precedes the prayer in the garden and reveals the heart, mission, and desire of Jesus.
In his final statement to his followers in John 16:33, Jesus offers a promise, a reality, an encouragement, and an assurance that will ultimately empower them and can empower us.
As they make their way to the garden and to his betrayal, Jesus uses every opportunity to instruct and guide his disciples. There are important lessons in this section for all of us.
As Jesus continues the final instructions to his followers, he makes a series of "I will" statements. We learn in John 14:15-31 that Jesus promises presence, relationship, and peace.