John Chapter Seventeen
Introduction to Jesus’ Prayer
Often called the ‘real’ Lord’s Prayer, since the prayer that He taught that is traditionally called by Christians, “the Lord’s Prayer,“ (see Matthew 6:9-15; Luke 11:2-4) could never be prayed by Him (since He is without sin). This prayer, however, is very different, it offers an intimate exchange between Father and Son.
Some teach that the prayer of Jesus in John chapter 17 was prayed in the garden of Gethsemane where Matthew, Mark, and Luke record Jesus praying (see Matthew 26:36-46; Mark 14:32-42; Luke 22:40-46). Here John records them going to the garden after praying this prayer (see John 18:1). Since the synoptic gospels do not record this prayer there is no evidence to support that teaching (other than the fact that Jesus did pray in the garden). Regardless of when and where Jesus prayed this prayer, in the upper room or in the garden of Gethsemane, the prayer offers personal details of Jesus’ heart and insight on a very serious issue.
This prayer was previously commented on for John chapter four,[1] regarding the gradual erosion of the unity of believers through the years, which Jesus addresses in this prayer. As mentioned earlier, there are three primary sections to this prayer. The first being for Him to be glorified by the Father (John 17:1-5), followed by the request for the guidance, protection, and blessing of His disciples, soon to be apostles (John 17:6-19). But for us today it is imperative to understand the third section. Being a prayer request from Jesus to His Father for those that will hear the gospel message through those apostles, namely everyone since them, including us today (John 17:20-26). Sadly, now being nearly two-thousand years later, Jesus’ request seems unanswered.
Jesus Prays
17:1 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.
When Jesus was finished teaching the disciples, He began to pray. He told His Father that the time has come to glorify His Son so that the Son may glorify Him. Since He was given authority over all things living, He is offering eternal life to everyone that the Father has given Him. Jesus explains that eternal life is from knowing the Father, the only true God, and Jesus, the Christ, whom He sent. Jesus asks since He gloried the Father on earth having finished the work He was sent to do, He asks His Father to glorify Him in His presence with the glory that He had with Him before the world existed.[2] As a member of the Godhead, Jesus, like His Father and the Holy Spirit, is eternal, and has always existed. Here Jesus desires to return to being in the presence of His Father, an intimacy that began before the world was created. Since God is outside the realm of time, it may be impossible for humans, which can only relate in terms of time, to fully understand verse five.
17:6 “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.
Jesus continues to pray to His Father concerning His disciples, the inner circle, now eleven men. He notes that it was the Father that gave Jesus the disciples and that they now know everything that the Father passed on through Jesus to learn. As a result they know that Jesus came from God the Father and that they believe that the Father sent Jesus on His earthly ministry (and to die).
17:9 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.
Jesus states that He is praying for His disciples, not those in the world. He is not saying He will not pray for the world, but that He is now focused on the disciples. As His apostles they are not only going to be His messengers, but also His ambassadors and evangelists, to bring the gospel message to the world. Jesus again acknowledges that they were given to Him by His Father and they belong to both Him and His Father. He also notes that He is glorified in them. Giving all glory and honor to Jesus, should be the goal of every Christian.
17:11 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 one. 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.
Jesus notes that He is no longer in the world as He is coming to be with His Father. But the disciples remain in the world, so Jesus asks His Father to keep them in His name (see below) and that they be one as He is with His Father being one. The concept of unity plays a major role in this prayer (see Considerations below). Here Jesus is asking His Father to keep His disciples from being fractured and lose momentum before their ministry even begins. Jesus further notes that while He was with them He kept them in the Father’s name and guarded them as none have been lost except the son of destruction, so that prophecy would be fulfilled. Referring to Judas, Jesus proclaims that His betrayal was another prophecy fulfilled to demonstrate that He is the Messiah (see Considerations below).
17:13 But now I am coming to you, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have my joy fulfilled in themselves.
Jesus notes as He is coming to HIs Father and asks that those things that He spoke about in the world, that the disciples be filled with His joy. This is the third time this evening Jesus spoke about joy (see John 15:11; 16:20-23). To fully understand His joy may be beyond our ability, however, we can see that His joy begins with His love. That He came to fulfill the requirements of the law so that believers can experience divine protection, divine power, and divine guidance. To joyfully do as He has called His disciples and believers today to do. Representing Jesus should never be considered a burden, but a joy. Think of it, you are an adopted child of God!
17:14 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.
The disciples were given God’s Word to teach and since God’s Word is not of, or from, this world, they are rejected and hated by the world. Note how Jesus is once again speaking past-tense, knowing that the disciples will be persecuted for their teaching. Jesus asks His Father that they not be taken out of the world, but that His Father keep them from the evil one, Satan. Jesus once again notes that the disciples are not of the world, just as He is not of the world. He asks that they be sanctified (Greek ‘hēgiasmenoi’,[3] to make holy) in the truth. Jesus adds, that His Father’s word is truth. Just as God the Father sent Him into the world, Jesus now sends the disciples into the world, and for their sake Jesus consecrates Himself (same Greek word that was translated as ’sanctify’ in verse 17). How does a sin-less God become holy? He is consecrating Himself, not for His own holiness, but to become the final sacrifice so that those that believe in Him can be holy through His righteousness. He is going to the cross so that they, and all those that believe, will be made holy in truth, as presented in the gospel message found in the Word of God.
17:20 “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word,
Jesus then addresses the third segment of His prayer, the people who believe in Him through the teaching of the apostles. That would include believers today. In what is often called the “Apostolic Movement,” where one apostle presents the gospel message to someone and they accept Jesus as their Savior and then that person tells another, and so on.[4]
17:21 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.
The ultimate example of unity is that of Jesus being One with His Father. Jesus asks that those that believe through the efforts of the apostles be in them, so that they can believe and receive the same glory given to Him, in order to be one with them. Note that Jesus said, that they may become “perfectly one.” Perfectly? (Greek ’teteleiōmenoi’,[5] to complete, made perfect, mature, by reaching the intended goal) Why is unity so important? Jesus taught after being accused of conspiring together with the devil, that, “Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and no city or house divided against itself will stand.” (Matthew 12:25) When people work in unison great things can be accomplished. However, the reverse, when people, even though having the same goal in mind do not work together, the goal may never be reached, defeat is then probable. Christians need to work together, this is what Jesus desires. Note that Jesus explains that unity also serves as a witness, that the world may know that Christians were sent by Him and that God loves them too, as He desires all to be saved (see 2 Peter 3:9).
17:24 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.
Jesus desires that all of the people who have accepted Him as their Savior to be with Him, so that they can see His glory that the Father gave Him. The glory given to Him because of the Father’s love for Him before the world was created. This verse reveals two mysteries, Jesus’ desire to be with His people and, “That you’ve sent me and loved them In the same way you’ve loved me.” (Verse 24b, The Message) God desires to be with us because He loves us!
17:25 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.”
In His final request in this prayer, Jesus calls upon His Father, calling Him righteous, stating that even though the world doesn’t know Him, He knows Him. And now all believers know that He came from the Father. He has made known to them the Father’s name (see below), and will continue to make His name known through the completed work on the cross and the process of sanctification as believers become more like Him. So that the love that He and the Father mutually share, will be in them as well. Jesus closes His prayer with the powerful statement that believers are loved just as Jesus and God the Father love each other.
Considerations
Prayer Before and After Bible Study
Jesus is giving us a model for us to follow whenever God’s Word is preached or taught. Prayer offered before a Bible study should be the habit for every Christian, be it a self-study or with a group. One should always ask for the Holy Spirit to guide and help discern what is being read. But equally important is a prayer at the end of the study to request the ability and resources to apply those things learned in the study. To abide in the Word of God requires one to do as He calls. Jesus concluded His teaching with a passionate series of pleas, because He knew the opposition the apostles and those that followed were going to face taking His message to the world.
Names offer a form of identification of something or someone. In the absence of that object or person their name can be used to communicate something that pertains to them. While a name cannot replace the object or person, a name can carry weight, acknowledging their existence. For example: If a king wished to see someone, his name would be used by the messenger expressing the king’s desire, giving the messenger the authority of the king for that request. Perhaps a better example is when a police officer shouts to someone being pursued, “stop in the name of the law!” They are stating that they have the authority to demand the person to stop. One thing to note is that the police officer already had the authority, he did not need to say it. A name represents not only the person but also the authority of that person. That also applies to Christians, as each one has the authority of Jesus, everything Christians do or ask for, is done in the name of Jesus (see Colossians 3:17). Does that mean Christians need to speak those words, “in the name of Jesus,” no, but it can serve as a reminder of who they represent and follow, and to always be mindful of where the power comes from.
It is also interesting to note, one, but often overlooked, difference between the Tabernacle and Temple is that the Tabernacle was built for God to dwell in and the Temple was built for the name of God. We read in Exodus 25:8 referring to the Tabernacle, “And let them make me a sanctuary, that I may dwell in their midst” (see also Exodus 29:45-46). In 2 Samuel 7:13 God tells David referring to one of his sons (which was Solomon), “He shall build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever” (see also 1 Kings 5:5; 8:19; 1 Chronicles 22:10). Often referred to as the “Name Theology,” where some differentiate the dwelling of God (His presence) from the name of God (referring to something that represents Him but not necessarily His dwelling), this debate does not change the role of these buildings in history as each represent the previously insurmountable gap between God and man. As Jesus, through the work on the cross, canceled the need for any earthly structures (see 1 Corinthians 3:16; 6:19; 2 Corinthians 6:16; Ephesians 2:21).
Christianity today in the United States is a sad picture of unity. It is no wonder why Jesus passionately prayed that believers remain unified, because Satan has become the expert at church cracking. Be it theological, dogmatic, worship style, tradition, protocol, etc., history has shown it doesn’t require much to cause a Christian, church, denomination, or ministry to split and go separate ways. Stubborn people, believing the truth is on their side, justify the split. Sadly, that is not always the case. Resulting in most average-sized communities having several denominations represented. While on the surface this may look like a good thing, the unwillingness to work together has significantly reduced the church’s influence in those communities. Can you imagine a community whose churches just prayed together? It would probably be very difficult to go to Hell there! Yes, unity is important.
From Ordinary to Extraordinary
The inner-circle of disciples were not specially trained, educated, had influence, or royal blood, like one might expect for God to choose to begin a movement. Each of these eleven men were what we might call ordinary. Which is exactly what God wanted, if they were ‘trained’ or had influence, then they and others could point to those things as to why they are successful. But if one who is ordinary without anything special does something extraordinary, God gets the credit, the attention is on Him, not the person. It is interesting to note that throughout Scripture that God used ordinary people to do extraordinary things. Why is that important to note? Because, that means God can and will use each of us. That doesn’t mean that for those that are blessed with higher education cannot be used, of course not, just think of Paul. God can use anyone and everyone in His kingdom, Go ahead and ask Him!
Prophetic Text Overview No. 30
Jesus calls Judas the son of destruction (see verse 12, some translations use ‘perdition’) the Greek word ‘apōleias’[6] means to destroy completely, in context referring to one who is eternally lost.[7] Some interpret Jesus by saying, “that Scripture might be fulfilled,” that Judas had no choice, that he had to betray Jesus so that the prophecy would be true. That is not the case, Jesus is simply pointing out that this “false disciple” was known by God from the beginning of time and that detail was added to the Old Testament for further authentication. Judas was certainly not innocent of his crimes.[8]
Jesus stated clearly that He, His disciples, and all subsequent believers are not of this world. What does that mean? Physically our bodies are in this world, we are, like everything else in this world, vulnerable to all the laws of physics, etc. But, our thinking should not be of this world. This is what is known as a Christian worldview. Earlier we defined what a worldview is and that everyone indeed has a unique perspective.[9] While every Christian does not share the exact same worldview (too many variables to list), there are a number of attributes that are shared. Here are a few points that should be considered essential for a Christian/Biblical worldview:
In addition to the above, a typical Christian Worldview would have a number of worldview elements that would not necessarily be classified as being essential but are nonetheless extremely important, such as: the responsibility to evangelize; the need to read and study the Bible; the need to serve others; recognize the need to pray; to love others unconditionally; to avoid sinning; acknowledge that demonic principalities and Satan exist; that hell is indeed real; be kind and compassionate to everyone; that heaven is real and after death be in the presence of Jesus; that Christian persecution is inevitable, etc. These are all subjects taught by the epistle writers whose books follow the book of Acts.
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[1] See Considerations under John 4:43-45 "Being Obedient."
[2] See commentary under John 1:14.
[3] Strong’s Greek 37.
[4] See commentaries under Matthew 10:5-15 and Mark 13:9-13 regarding the "Apostolice Movement."
[5] Strong’s Greek 5048.
[6] Strong’s Greek 684.
[7] The phrase “son of destruction” is used by the apostle Paul in 2 Thessalonians 2:3, believed to be a reference to the end times Antichrist.
[8] See also Considerations under Mark 14:46-50 "Prophetic Text Overview No. 20.”
[9] See Considerations under Matthew 18:56 "What is a Worldview?"