Overhearing God

People are fascinated with the private lives of important people. Here we listen to God talking to God in the inner sanctuary. John Knox had his wife read this on his deathbed; he slipped away as she read. Martyn Lloyd-Jones says this chapter gives us the help we need. The Apostle Peter says the same thing--that we have help for “all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him (2 Peter 1:3-5). Obviously, this is a prayer.

Of Jesus the Teacher
“The greatest prayer ever offered… followed the greatest sermon ever preached… ” John 13-16
It is a [report card] on Jesus’ ministry and the disciples’ belief.
Here’s how to listen to a sermon: accept it as God’s word and obey it.
When you received the word of God… you accepted it not as the word of men but as…the word of God. 1 Thessalonians 2:13
John Calvin said preaching must be followed by prayer “that his blessing will make the word fruitful”, praying the word into people’s lives.

Of Jesus the Son
He comes to prayer in his humanity, but with unique intimacy, Abba! He prayed with tears (Hebrews 5:7) for his own. We were each discussed by name before the foundation of the world.
He comes to the tipping point of obedience, which takes him to his final words: “Father, [Abba] into your hands I commit my spirit!” (Luke 23:46)

Of Jesus the High Priest
Jesus’ present ministry is as a High Priest who intercedes. Our prayers are the only hope for our nation.

Also based on John 6:35, John 8:58, John 10:11, John 11:25, John 14:6, Exodus 3:14, Isaiah 43:10-13, 25; Isaiah 51:12, Isaiah 41:4, Isaiah 45:22, Acts 6:2-4, Matthew 11:27, Hebrews 4:14, 1 Peter 2:9.