John 17:1-5 is about Jesus praying to God for glorification and expressing his desire to fulfill the purpose for which he was sent to Earth, emphasizing the unity between the Father and Son and the eternal life that comes from knowing God.
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.
Setting the Scene for John 17:1-5
In John chapter 17, we find Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane with his disciples. The scene is set late at night, with the moon casting a soft glow over the olive trees and the Mount of Olives in the background. The disciples are gathered around Jesus, their faces reflecting a mix of confusion, concern, and weariness. They had just finished the Last Supper, where Jesus had washed their feet and shared the shocking news that one of them would betray him.
As they settle in the garden, Jesus begins to pray. His voice is filled with emotion as he speaks to his Father, pouring out his heart in a moment of deep connection and intimacy. The disciples listen in awe, feeling the weight of the impending events that Jesus alludes to in his prayer. They are witnessing a profound moment between the Son and the Father, a glimpse into the divine relationship that sustains Jesus in the face of the trials that lie ahead.
The atmosphere is heavy with anticipation and foreboding, as Jesus prepares himself for the ultimate sacrifice. The disciples, though they may not fully understand the significance of this moment, are drawn into the sacred space of prayer and communion that Jesus invites them to share. The Garden of Gethsemane becomes a sanctuary of peace and strength in the midst of the gathering storm that will soon break over them all.
What is John 17:1-5 about?
This verse captures a profound moment in the life of Jesus, where He prays to God for His own glorification, seeking eternal life and unity with the Father. It is a powerful expression of Jesus’ divine nature and His deep relationship with God. Through this prayer, Jesus reveals His ultimate purpose and mission on earth, showing his willingness to endure suffering and sacrifice for the salvation of humanity. We reflect on this verse, contemplating the depth of Jesus’ love and obedience to God’s will. Jesus’ prayer highlights the importance of seeking spiritual growth, eternal life, and unity with God in our own lives. It challenges us to consider what we prioritize in our prayers and to align our desires with God’s plan for us. This verse ultimately reminds us of the transformative power of prayer and the significance of seeking closeness with God in all aspects of our lives.
Understanding what John 17:1-5 really means
In the profound prayer captured in John 17, often referred to as the High Priestly Prayer, Jesus stands at a pivotal moment just before His arrest and crucifixion. This prayer serves as a poignant reflection of His mission on earth and His intimate relationship with the Father. As Jesus utters, “Father, the hour has come,” the weight of these words signifies the culmination of His earthly ministry and the divine timing of God’s redemptive plan. This momentous hour had been foretold, echoing His earlier statements in John 12:23 and Mark 14:41, underscoring the inevitability of His sacrifice and the fulfillment of prophecy.
Furthermore, when Jesus requests, “Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you,” He unveils the intricate connection between His glorification through death and resurrection and the glorification of the Father. This reciprocal glorification is not a display of vanity but a profound demonstration of the unity and purpose within the Godhead. The mutual glorification between the Father and the Son, as seen in Philippians 2:9-11 and John 13:31-32, showcases the divine harmony in their redemptive plan, where the Son’s sacrifice magnifies the Father’s glory.
Moreover, Jesus acknowledges His authority granted by the Father to bestow eternal life upon those entrusted to Him. This authority, as highlighted in Matthew 28:18 and John 3:35-36, underscores His divine role as the giver of eternal life. The essence of eternal life, as Jesus articulates, lies not merely in longevity but in an intimate knowledge of the Father and the Son. This relational aspect of eternal life, as expounded in John 14:6 and 1 John 5:20, emphasizes the transformative power of a personal connection with God and Jesus.
Reflecting on His earthly ministry, Jesus declares, “I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do,” illustrating His unwavering commitment to fulfilling the Father’s will. His obedience and dedication, as exemplified in John 4:34 and Hebrews 12:2, serve as a beacon for believers, urging them to align their lives with God’s purposes. Furthermore, Jesus’s plea to the Father to restore Him to His former glory signifies His imminent return to the divine realm, affirming His pre-existence and divine nature. This longing for restoration, as echoed in John 1:1-2 and Philippians 2:5-7, encapsulates the completion of His redemptive work and the ultimate triumph over sin and death.
In contemplating the relevance of this prayer today, we are reminded of the centrality of a personal relationship with God and Jesus in experiencing eternal life. Jesus’s obedience and mission underscore the importance of aligning our will with God’s and faithfully fulfilling our divine calling. Moreover, the assurance of eternal life and the hope found in Jesus’s finished work offer solace and confidence to believers navigating the challenges of life.
Consider a dedicated doctor who, after years of tireless research, discovers a cure for a deadly disease. Instead of seeking personal acclaim, the doctor’s joy lies in knowing that lives will be saved and suffering alleviated. Similarly, Jesus’s prayer in John 17 encapsulates His selfless dedication to fulfilling the Father’s will, bringing glory not to Himself but to the One who sent Him. As we ponder this prayer, may we be inspired to walk in obedience, cultivate a deeper relationship with God, and find hope in the finished work of Christ.
How can we glorify God in our lives?
We can glorify God in our lives by acknowledging His majesty, power, and authority in everything we do. We can do this by living in a way that reflects His character and teachings, showing love, kindness, and compassion to others. We demonstrate reverence and honor for God by surrendering our will to His and seeking to do His will above all else.
Additionally, we can glorify God by recognizing and giving thanks for the blessings He has bestowed upon us. We acknowledge His sovereignty and provision in our lives by having a heart of gratitude and consistently praising Him for His goodness and faithfulness. Through prayer, worship, and a lifestyle that reflects His glory, we honor and glorify God in all that we do.
Application
Think of your life as a bustling workplace or a loving family home. In John 17:1-5, Jesus prays for unity and glory. This isn’t just ancient history; it’s a call to action. Aim to create unity in your community, like teamwork with colleagues or harmony at the dinner table. Live out His love and grace in every interaction, from morning meetings to bedtime stories. How will you build unity and honor God in your daily life today?
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.