John 17 stands as a profoundly significant chapter in the Gospel of John, encapsulating the intimate prayer of Jesus to God the Father just before his crucifixion. This chapter, often referred to as the High Priestly Prayer, reveals the core of Jesus’ mission, his deep love for his followers, and his vision for unity among believers. It’s a powerful passage that continues to resonate with Christians seeking to understand Jesus’ relationship with God and his aspirations for the church.
Jesus Prays for His Glorification (John 17:1-5)
The prayer opens with Jesus acknowledging that “the hour has come.” This is not an hour of defeat, but an hour of glorification. Jesus asks the Father to glorify him so that he, in turn, might glorify the Father. This mutual glorification highlights the interconnectedness of their divine relationship and the purpose of Jesus’ earthly mission. Central to this glorification is the concept of eternal life, which Jesus defines not merely as longevity, but as truly knowing God and Jesus Christ, whom God has sent. He emphasizes his successful completion of the work God entrusted to him, bringing glory to God on earth. Jesus then looks forward, requesting to be glorified with the Father with the glory he had before the world began, reaffirming his pre-existence and divine nature.
Jesus Prays for His Disciples (John 17:6-19)
Moving beyond his personal glorification, Jesus turns his attention to his disciples. He emphasizes that these disciples were given to him by the Father, and they have kept God’s word. This section underscores the disciples’ obedience and their understanding that Jesus’ teachings originated from God. Jesus explicitly states, “I pray for them. I am not praying for the world but for those you have given me.” This highlights the special relationship between Jesus and his chosen followers. He prays for their protection and unity, asking the Holy Father to keep them in His name, so they may be one as the Father and Son are one. Knowing his departure is imminent, Jesus prays that his disciples will be protected from the evil one and sanctified by the truth, which is God’s word. He acknowledges their role in the world, sent just as he was sent, and dedicates himself to sanctification for their sake, that they too might be truly sanctified.
Jesus Prays for All Believers (John 17:20-26)
Expanding the scope of his prayer even further, Jesus’ vision extends to all future believers – “those who will believe in me through their message.” This is a prayer that encompasses the entire Christian church throughout history. The resounding theme of unity continues, as Jesus prays “that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you.” This unity is not merely organizational but a deep, spiritual oneness mirroring the unity of the Father and the Son. Jesus emphasizes that this unity among believers will be a powerful witness to the world, convincing it that the Father sent him. He has given believers the glory that the Father gave him, again for the purpose of unity, “that they may be one as we are one— I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity.” The ultimate goal is that the world will know that the Father sent Jesus and loved believers even as He loved Jesus. The prayer concludes with Jesus’ desire for believers to be with him and see his glory, a glory given to him out of love before the creation of the world. He reaffirms his knowledge of the Father and his ongoing mission to make the Father known, so that the Father’s love for Jesus may be in believers, and Jesus himself may be in them.
In conclusion, John 17 offers a profound glimpse into the heart of Jesus and his deepest desires before his ultimate sacrifice. It’s a prayer for glorification, not for personal gain, but for the furtherance of God’s kingdom. It’s a prayer for his disciples, both present and future, emphasizing protection, sanctification, and above all, unity. This chapter remains a cornerstone of Christian theology, offering guidance and inspiration for believers seeking to live out Jesus’ prayer in their own lives and communities.
