John 17 from the King James Version (KJV) Bible stands as a profoundly significant chapter, often referred to as the High Priestly Prayer of Jesus. In this chapter, Jesus turns his attention heavenward and engages in a heartfelt conversation with God the Father, just before his impending crucifixion. This prayer, rich in theological depth and spiritual insight, reveals Jesus’ deepest desires for his followers and for the glory of God. Let’s delve into the verses of John 17 Kjv to unpack its meaning and understand its enduring relevance for believers today.
Jesus Prays for His Own Glorification (John 17:1-5)
The prayer opens with Jesus seeking glorification. “Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee” (John 17:1 KJV). This isn’t a request for personal aggrandizement, but rather a plea for the Father to manifest His glory through the Son’s sacrifice. Jesus understands that his crucifixion, though a moment of immense suffering, is also the pinnacle of God’s plan for salvation and the ultimate display of divine love.
He acknowledges the authority granted to him by the Father, “As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him” (John 17:2 KJV). Eternal life, as defined here, is not merely unending existence, but a deep, personal knowing of God: “And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent” (John 17:3 KJV). This verse beautifully encapsulates the essence of Christian faith – a relationship with the one true God through Jesus Christ.
Jesus reflects on his earthly mission, stating, “I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do” (John 17:4 KJV). Despite not yet being crucified, Jesus speaks with certainty, knowing that he has faithfully accomplished the task set before him. He then looks forward to the glory he shared with the Father before creation, “And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was” (John 17:5 KJV). This reaffirms Jesus’ pre-existence and his divine nature, emphasizing his eternal relationship with the Father.
Jesus’ Prayer for His Disciples (John 17:6-19)
The focus then shifts to Jesus’ disciples. He highlights his faithfulness in revealing God to them: “I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world” (John 17:6 KJV). He acknowledges that these disciples were initially God’s, and were given to him, emphasizing the divine initiative in their calling. Their obedience is also noted: “they have kept thy word” (John 17:6 KJV).
Jesus emphasizes the divine origin of his teachings, “For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me” (John 17:8 KJV), and their acceptance of his divine mission, “and they have believed that thou didst send me” (John 17:8 KJV). He then explicitly states, “I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine” (John 17:9 KJV). This distinction doesn’t imply a lack of concern for the world, but a focused intercession for those who have responded to God’s call and are now entrusted to Jesus.
A powerful statement of unity within the Trinity and with believers follows: “And all mine are thine, and thine are mine; and I am glorified in them” (John 17:10 KJV). This verse speaks to the interconnectedness within the Godhead and the reflection of God’s glory in his followers. Jesus prays for their continued unity and protection, “Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are” (John 17:11 KJV). Unity among believers is not merely a desirable outcome but a reflection of the unity within the Godhead itself.
He acknowledges his role in protecting them during his earthly ministry, “While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name” (John 17:12 KJV), and expresses his desire for their joy to be complete, even amidst the world’s hatred, “that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves” (John 17:13 KJV). He acknowledges the world’s opposition to God’s word, “I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world” (John 17:14 KJV).
Jesus’ prayer is not for them to be removed from the world, but for divine protection within it: “I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil” (John 17:15 KJV). He reiterates their distinct identity: “They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world” (John 17:16 KJV). Sanctification through truth is requested: “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth” (John 17:17 KJV). This verse highlights the transformative power of God’s word in making believers holy. Finally, he emphasizes their mission in the world, mirroring his own: “As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world” (John 17:18 KJV).
Jesus Prays for Future Believers (John 17:20-26)
Jesus’ prayer expands beyond his immediate disciples to encompass all future believers: “Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word” (John 17:20 KJV). He prays for unity among all believers, mirroring the unity between the Father and the Son: “That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us” (John 17:21 KJV). This unity is not just for their benefit, but so “that the world may believe that thou hast sent me” (John 17:21 KJV).
He speaks of the glory given to him by the Father and passed on to believers, “And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one” (John 17:22 KJV). This shared glory is the basis for their unity and a testament to God’s love for them, mirroring the Father’s love for the Son: “that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me” (John 17:23 KJV).
Jesus expresses his desire for believers to be with him and behold his glory: “Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory” (John 17:24 KJV). He again emphasizes the Father’s love for him before the foundation of the world. He concludes by acknowledging the world’s lack of knowledge of the Father, while affirming that he and his followers know the Father, and that he has declared God’s name to them, and will continue to do so, “that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them” (John 17:26 KJV).
Conclusion: The Enduring Significance of John 17 KJV
John 17 KJV offers a profound glimpse into the heart of Jesus and his desires for his followers. It reveals his prayer for glorification, his definition of eternal life, his intercession for unity and protection for his disciples and all future believers, and his ultimate desire for them to experience the Father’s love and behold his glory. This chapter remains a powerful source of encouragement, guidance, and theological depth for Christians seeking to understand Jesus’ mission and their own calling. Studying John 17 KJV allows believers to connect with the very prayer of Jesus and to grasp the profound truths he revealed in his final hours before the cross.
