Dr. Sinclair Ferguson spoke next, using several verses from John 17 as his text. Verse 11 of this chapter contains the only reference in all of Scripture to "holy Father." This prayer offers a unique window into the heart and mind of Christ, on the eve of his passion and death. It is a most sacred moment. We should approach it with awe and reverence. Recall the opening phrases of the Lord's Prayer--we are invited to use the same language. Jesus here widens the disciples' understanding of the Trinity.
What does it mean for the Lord of glory to say "holy Father?" As the Logos, God the Son ever addresses the Father as holy. "Holy" within the blessed existence of the Trinity can mean purity and intensity but not separation. An intensity of love and fellowship. In his prayer, Jesus voices longing not just to be reinstated to this intensity of love but to have his disciples behold it and share in it. Analogy with human relationships of intimacy. Being is fundamental to doing. John 5:19-20--the Son does nothing of his own accord but only what he sees the Father doing. John 10--Jesus speaks of giving his life for the sheep and says the Father loves him because of his coming death and resurrection. We have been brought into this family. If when we pray we say "our holy Father," then the church is the holy family. Since he is the holy Father he gives his children the Holy Spirit as a surety and seal of identification. He has set his heart on making all of his children like his holy Son and will stop at nothing to accomplish this. Recall how much it cost Jesus to express what he did in John 17.
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