Imagine being on the brink of a life-changing moment, and instead of worrying about yourself, you pour your heart into a prayer for those you love. This is exactly what Jesus does in John 17, a profound moment capturing His love and concern for His followers.
The Reading: John 17
World English Bible1 Jesus said these things, and lifting up his eyes to heaven, he said, “Father, the time has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may also glorify you;
>
2 even as you gave him authority over all flesh, so he will give eternal life to all whom you have given him.
>
3 This is eternal life, that they should know you, the only true God, and him whom you sent, Jesus Christ.
>
4 I glorified you on the earth. I have accomplished the work which you have given me to do.
>
5 Now, Father, glorify me with your own self with the glory which I had with you before the world existed.
>
6 I revealed your name to the people whom you have given me out of the world. They were yours, and you have given them to me. They have kept your word.
>
7 Now they have known that all things whatever you have given me are from you,
>
8 for the words which you have given me I have given to them, and they received them, and knew for sure that I came from you, and they have believed that you sent me.
>
9 I pray for them. I don’t pray for the world, but for those whom you have given me, for they are yours.
>
10 All things that are mine are yours, and yours are mine, and I am glorified in them.
>
11 I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them through your name which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are.
>
12 While I was with them in the world, I kept them in your name. Those whom you have given me I have kept. None of them is lost, except the son of destruction, that the Scripture might be fulfilled.
>
13 But now I come to you, and I say these things in the world, that they may have my joy made full in themselves.
>
14 I have given them your word. The world hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.
>
15 I pray not that you would take them from the world, but that you would keep them from the evil one.
>
16 They are not of the world even as I am not of the world.
>
17 Sanctify them in your truth. Your word is truth.
>
18 As you sent me into the world, even so I have sent them into the world.
>
19 For their sakes I sanctify myself, that they themselves also may be sanctified in truth.
>
20 Not for these only do I pray, but for those also who will believe in me through their word,
>
21 that they may all be one; even as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be one in us; that the world may believe that you sent me.
>
22 The glory which 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 be perfected into one; 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 be with me where I am, that they may see my glory, which you have given me, for you loved me before the foundation of the world.
>
25 Righteous Father, the world hasn’t known you, but I knew you; and these knew that you sent me.
>
26 I made known to them your name, and will make it known; that the love with which you loved me may be in them, and I in them.”
What This Chapter Is Really Saying
Jesus Lifts His Eyes
In John 17, we find Jesus at a pivotal moment. He begins by addressing God, asking for glory not just for Himself but to glorify God in return. He acknowledges the eternal life promised to those who know God and Jesus Himself.
Acknowledging His Mission
Jesus reflects on His time on earth, stating that He has fulfilled His mission and revealed God's name to the people God entrusted to Him. He emphasizes their belief in Him as the one sent by God, showcasing the bond between Him and His followers.
Prayer for Protection and Unity
As He prepares to leave the world, Jesus expresses a heartfelt prayer for His disciples. He asks God to keep them safe and united, just as He and the Father are united. This prayer extends beyond His immediate followers to all who will believe in the future, highlighting the importance of unity among believers.
The Call to Sanctity
Jesus asks God to sanctify His followers in truth, emphasizing that His word is truth. He sets an example, sanctifying Himself for their sake, so they too may be holy in their mission.
A Vision for Believers
The chapter ends with Jesus expressing a deep desire for all believers to be one, just as He is one with the Father. This unity is crucial for the world to recognize Jesus' divine mission and the love God has for humanity.
Why It Matters
The Power of Prayer
John 17 teaches us about the power and depth of prayer. Jesus' prayer is not only for Himself but for His followers to remain united and protected. This reminds us to pray for others, especially those we care about.
Unity in Diversity
In a world filled with division, Jesus calls for unity among believers. His desire for oneness speaks to the importance of coming together despite differences, fostering a community grounded in love and respect.
Understanding Eternal Life
Eternal life, according to Jesus, is knowing God and Him. This relationship is not just about a future promise but a present reality that transforms how we live today. Knowing God leads us to a life of purpose and connection with others.
Find Your Community
As we reflect on these themes, consider how you can connect with others in faith. Sancta can help you find a church near you, a place where you can grow in unity and deepen your understanding of God's love.
Coming Up Next: John 18
In the next part of the journey, John 18 reveals the dramatic events leading to Jesus' arrest. Get ready as we explore betrayal, trial, and the unfolding of an incredible plan.