God's Blessing

John 17 Explained – Verse by Verse Commentary

1 When Jesus had spoken these words, he lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, “Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you,
2 since you have given him authority over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him.
3 And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.
4 I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do.
5 And now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had with you before the world existed.
6 “I have manifested your name to the people whom you gave me out of the world. Yours they were, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word.”
7 Now they know that everything that you have given me is from you.
8 For I have given them the words that you gave me, and they have received them and have come to know in truth that I came from you; and they have believed that you sent me.
9 I am praying for them. I am not praying for the world but for those whom you have given me, for they are yours.
10 All mine are yours, and yours are mine, and I am glorified in them.
11 And I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are.
12 While I was with them, I kept them in your name, which you have given me. I have guarded them, and not one of them has been lost except the son of destruction, that the Scripture might be fulfilled.
13 But now I am coming to you, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have my joy fulfilled in themselves.
14 I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.
15 I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one.
16 They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.
17 Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.
18 As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world.
19 And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth.
20 “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word,
21 that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.
22 The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one,
23 I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me.
24 Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world.
25 O righteous Father, even though the world does not know you, I know you, and these know that you have sent me.
26 I made known to them your name, and I will continue to make it known, that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them.

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The True Meaning of John 17

This passage is from the Gospel of John, written by the apostle John, one of the twelve disciples of Jesus. John was an eyewitness to the life, ministry, and teachings of Jesus, and his gospel provides a unique perspective on the events surrounding Jesus’ final days before his crucifixion. Jesus engages in a profound and intimate prayer known as the “High Priestly Prayer” in this chapter. Jesus faces the imminent reality of his death and turns his attention to the Father, interceding on behalf of his disciples and all who will come to believe in him. The chapter foreshadows the profound events that are about to unfold, as Jesus prepares his followers for the challenges and persecution they will face in the days ahead.

Throughout this prayer, Jesus emphasizes the unity and oneness that he shares with the Father, and the importance of this unity being reflected in the lives of his disciples. He also speaks of the eternal life that he has come to offer, and the mission that his followers will be entrusted with to continue his work in the world.

John 17:1-5

  1. Verse 1: “After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed: ‘Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you.’”
    This opening sentence sets the stage for the prayer that Jesus offers to God the Father. It is significant that Jesus lifts His eyes toward heaven as He begins this prayer, signifying His communion with the Father. Jesus acknowledges that the hour has come, referring to the time of His crucifixion and the fulfillment of His earthly mission. Jesus is highlighting the reciprocal relationship between Himself and the Father by asking for the Son to be glorified so that the Father may be glorified. This mutual glorification emphasizes the unity and harmony between the members of the Trinity, demonstrating the inseparable bond they share.

  2. Verses 2-3: “For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him. Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. Jesus acknowledges the authority given to Him by the Father over all people in these verses. This authority is not wielded for selfish gain or earthly power, but for the ultimate purpose of granting eternal life to those given to Him by the Father. The concept of eternal life is central to the Christian faith, and here Jesus defines it as knowing God the Father and Jesus Christ whom He has sent. This knowledge does not merely refer to intellectual understanding but to a deep, intimate relationship with the divine. Through this relationship, believers are granted the gift of eternal life, not just a life that exists for an infinite duration, but a life that is of supreme quality and essence – life in communion with the Triune God.

  3. Verse 4: “I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do.”
    Jesus declares that He has brought glory to the Father on earth by completing the work assigned to Him. Throughout His earthly ministry, Jesus performed miracles, taught profound truths, and ultimately offered Himself as a sacrifice for the sins of humanity. Jesus glorified the Father by fulfilling His mission on earth and demonstrating obedience, love, and faithfulness to the divine will. This statement underscores the importance of fulfilling one’s calling and purpose in bringing glory to God, echoing verses like Colossians 3:17, “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”

  4. Verses 5: “And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began.”
    Jesus, in this final verse of the passage, looks forward to being glorified in the presence of the Father with the glory He shared before the creation of the world. This statement once again illustrates the eternal nature of Christ, existing before time began and being part of the divine essence. The request for glorification in the Father’s presence points to the exaltation and honor that Jesus rightly deserves, both from His pre-existent state and His obedient earthly ministry. This verse also hints at the future glorification of believers who are united with Christ, as mentioned in passages like Romans 8:17, “Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.”

John 17:6-10

Jesus in John 17:6-10 is praying to God the Father, expressing his deep connection and relationship with Him. Let’s break down these verses into important sections and provide commentary on each one.

Verse 6: “I have revealed you to those whom you gave me out of the world. They were yours; you gave them to me and they have obeyed your word.”

Here, Jesus acknowledges that the disciples were a gift to Him from God the Father. He mentions that he has revealed God to the disciples, indicating his role as a teacher and a divine messenger. This verse highlights the concept of divine election, where God chooses and reveals Himself to His followers. The disciples, having obeyed God’s word through their belief in Jesus, have been entrusted to Him. This shows the importance of obedience and faith in receiving God’s truth.

Verse 7: “Now they know that everything you have given me comes from you. Jesus affirms in this verse that the disciples have come to understand the source of His teachings and authority. He emphasizes the unity between Himself and the Father, stating that everything He has received comes from God. This highlights the divine origin of Jesus’ message and mission. It underscores the importance of recognizing that Jesus is the Son of God, sent by the Father to reveal His truth to humanity. This verse echoes the recurring theme in the Gospel of John about the relationship between the Father and the Son, reinforcing Jesus’ divine identity.

Verses 8-9: “For I gave them the words you gave me and they accepted them. They knew with certainty that I came from you, and they believed that you sent me. I pray for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given me, for they are yours. Jesus reiterates in these verses that He has faithfully passed on God’s words to the disciples, and they have received and believed in them. He emphasizes the disciples’ firm conviction in His divine origin and mission. Jesus expresses His concern for the disciples by praying specifically for them, recognizing that they belong to God. His focus on praying for the disciples underscores the intimacy of His relationship with them and His desire for their spiritual well-being. This highlights the personal care and intercessory role of Jesus as a mediator between God and His followers.

Verse 10: “All I have is yours, and all you have is mine. And glory has come to me through them. Jesus affirms the complete unity and mutual ownership between Himself and the Father in this final verse of the passage. He emphasizes that everything He has belongs to God, and vice versa. This statement underscores the perfect unity and harmony within the Godhead. Furthermore, Jesus acknowledges that the glory given to Him by the Father is also reflected in the disciples. This signifies the disciples’ role in bearing witness to Jesus and bringing glory to Him through their faith and obedience. This verse highlights the interconnectedness between God, Jesus, and His followers, emphasizing the shared mission of glorifying God through their lives. John 17:6-10 presents a profound depiction of the relationship between Jesus, the Father, and the disciples. It emphasizes themes of divine revelation, obedience, unity, intercession, and glory. The passage underscores the intimate bond between Jesus and His followers, as well as their vital role in spreading God’s truth and bringing glory to Him. By delving deeply into these verses and reflecting on their timeless messages, a richer understanding of the divine love and purpose that permeate the Gospel of John and the broader narrative of the Bible can be gained.

John 17:11-19

We will break down several important sections in John 17:11-19 for deeper insight.

Verse 11 begins with Jesus praying to the Father, requesting His protection over His disciples. He asks that they may be safeguarded by the power of God’s name so that they may be united just as He and the Father are one. This highlights the unity that Jesus desires for His followers, emphasizing the importance of harmony and oneness among believers. The concept of unity is crucial in Christianity, as it promotes a bond of love and support among believers. This unity is not only among His immediate disciples but also extends to all who will believe in Him through their message (John 17:20).

Moving on to verse 12, Jesus acknowledges that one of His disciples, Judas Iscariot, has been lost. Here, Judas’ betrayal and subsequent loss are mentioned, reflecting the fulfillment of prophecy (John 13:18; Psalm 41:9). Despite having walked with Jesus and witnessed His miracles, Judas chose to betray Him, ultimately leading to his own destruction. This serves as a cautionary tale of the consequences of betrayal and the importance of loyalty and faithfulness in one’s relationship with Christ. Jesus speaks of His impending departure from the world while His disciples remain in verses 13-16. He acknowledges the challenges they will face, living in the world but not being part of it. This discourse sets the tone for the disciples’ mission after Jesus’ ascension, as they are called to be in the world but not of it (John 15:19; Romans 12:2). The world may bring tribulations and temptations, but Jesus prays for His disciples’ protection from the evil one (John 17:15). This prayer reinforces the idea of relying on God’s strength and grace to overcome the trials of the world.

Finally, in verses 17-19, Jesus consecrates His disciples, setting them apart for a special purpose. He sanctifies them by the truth of God’s Word, emphasizing the significance of knowing and living by the truth. The Word of God is a source of guidance, wisdom, and strength for believers (Psalm 119:105; 2 Timothy 3:16-17), equipping them for their mission to spread the Gospel and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19-20). Jesus empowers His disciples with the Holy Spirit by consecrating them to continue His work on earth, ensuring that His ministry will carry on even after His physical departure. Jesus’ deep love and concern for His disciples is captured in John 17:11-19 as He prays for their unity, protection, and consecration. The themes of unity, betrayal, tribulation, and consecration highlighted in these verses offer timeless lessons for believers today. It reminds us of the importance of staying united in faith, being vigilant against betrayal and temptation, relying on God’s strength in the face of trials, and staying grounded in the truth of God’s Word. Jesus’ prayer for His disciples extends to all believers, calling us to live in the world with a heavenly perspective, grounded in the truth and empowered by the Holy Spirit.

John 17:20-26

Several important sections in John 17:20-26 display the heart of Jesus’ prayer to the Father just before His betrayal and crucifixion.

  1. “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word“: Here, Jesus is not only praying for His disciples who were with Him at that moment but also for all believers who would come after them, including us today. This shows the inclusivity of Jesus’ prayer, encompassing all who would follow Him through the spreading of the gospel. It speaks to the everlasting nature of His love and intercession for all believers, regardless of time or place.

  2. “That they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us“: Jesus expresses a deep desire for unity among believers. This unity mirrors the perfect unity within the Trinity, where God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit are one. We, as believers, are called to reflect this unity through our relationships with one another, regardless of differences in background, culture, or denomination. Unity among believers is a powerful testimony to the world of the transformative power of Christ’s love.

  3. “I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me“: Jesus emphasizes that through this unity with God and one another, believers will be a testimony to the world of the love of God. This unity is not just for its own sake but serves a greater purpose of glorifying God and making Him known to the world. When the world sees the love and unity among believers, it becomes a powerful witness to the truth of the Gospel and the reality of God’s love.

  4. “I made known to them your name, and I will continue to make it known, that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them“: Jesus affirms that He has revealed the name of God to His disciples and will continue to do so. Knowing the name of God signifies a deep relationship and understanding of His character. We, as believers, are called to continue making the name of God known through our words and actions, so that the love of God manifested through Jesus may dwell richly in us. This love is transformative, bringing about unity, peace, and reconciliation among believers and with God. Jesus lays the foundation for the unity and love that should characterize His followers in this prayer. He not only prays for His immediate disciples but extends His intercession to all who believe in Him, including us today. This prayer underscores the importance of unity among believers, the demonstration of God’s love through this unity, and the continual revelation of God’s name to bring about transformation in the lives of believers. We meditate on these words to be inspired to pursue unity, love, and a deep knowledge of God that leads to a powerful testimony to the world.

After John 17

Jesus prayed to God for his disciples in this chapter, asking for their protection and unity. He expressed his desire for them to be sanctified and to spread the message of God’s love to the world. Jesus showed his deep care and concern for his followers, preparing them for the challenges they would face ahead. Let us reflect on Jesus’ words and his unwavering faith in God’s plan, remembering the importance of unity and spreading love in our own lives. We should strive to follow in the footsteps of Jesus, staying true to our faith and trusting in God’s guidance. Jesus will face his ultimate test of faith and love in the next chapter, setting the stage for the fulfillment of God’s plan for salvation.