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John 17 Commentary
by Brad Boyles
I cannot think of a more powerful prayer in all of Scripture. Through Jesus’ words, much is revealed.
- Eternal life = knowing Jesus Christ and the one true God (John 17:3)
- Glorification on Earth = total obedience to the work God has given you (John 17:4)
- The glory of Jesus spans before time and space (John 17:5)
- God’s requirement of Jesus (and us) is the manifestation of His Name to humanity (John 17:6)
- God’s purpose in sending Jesus is that we would know Him (John 17:7-8)
- Though Jesus laid down His life for all, the unbelieving world will not share in His family; only His children will receive the blessing of His prayers (John 17:9-10)
- Jesus cares deeply for His children and leads them exactly where they need to be in order for God’s will to be accomplished (John 7:12)
- Jesus’ desire for us is joy, and He has asked God the Father to protect His children from the evil one (John 17:15)
This all leads us to verse 20, where Jesus turns to you and I and prays specifically for us before going to the cross.
“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.
John 17:20-21 ESV
“I do not ask for these only, but also for _______ who will believe in me through their word.” If you know Christ, fill in the blank with your name. Jesus prayed for you. He knows you personally. Even before He went to the cross, He knew who His children would be. He knew that the disciples would not fail to take the Gospel into the world. He knew the Scriptures would be preserved for thousands of years. He knew one day you would walk into His church, or pick up a Bible, or listen to an evangelist proclaim the Gospel… and you would believe.
Those of us who believe and confess by faith that Jesus is our Lord and Savior are one with Jesus and one with God the Father. We are grafted into the family of God through Jesus for the sake of demonstrating to the world that Jesus is King. We are not just saved; we have a mission and purpose. Those who have such a relationship with Jesus will be known by their extreme love, just as Jesus was.
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.”
John 17:26 ESV