John Chapter 17 — The High Priestly Prayer
Jesus prays to the Father for His own glorification, the protection of His disciples, and the future unity of all who will believe in Him.
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Notable Verses
John 17:3
“This is eternal life, that they should know you, the only true God, and him whom you sent, Jesus Christ.”
This verse provides a specific definition of eternal life as the knowledge of God and Jesus Christ.
John 17:17
“Sanctify them in your truth. Your word is truth.”
Jesus emphasizes that the word of God is the source of sanctification for believers.
John 17:21
“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.”
This verse highlights the central theme of unity among believers as a witness to the world.
Chapter Summary
In John 17, Jesus concludes His final discourse with a prayer to the Father. He begins by asking for glorification so that He may glorify the Father, noting that He has finished the work assigned to Him. Jesus then focuses on His disciples, whom He kept and taught while in the world. He prays for their protection from the evil one and asks that they be sanctified by the truth of God’s word. Finally, Jesus expands His prayer to include all future believers. He emphasizes the importance of unity among His followers, desiring that they be one just as He and the Father are one. This unity is intended to show the world that the Father sent the Son. Jesus concludes by expressing His desire for His followers to see His glory and to experience the love of God within themselves.
Frequently Asked Questions
Jesus prays for three main things: His own glorification, the sanctification and protection of His disciples, and the unity of all future believers. He asks that His followers remain faithful and united despite being in the world.
Jesus defines eternal life not just as duration of time, but as knowing the only true God and Jesus Christ whom He sent. This knowledge is presented as a relationship and a recognition of divine truth.
Jesus notes that His disciples are in the world but not of the world, leading the world to hate them. He prays not for their removal from the world, but for their protection from the evil one while they are in it.
Jesus asks for unity among believers so that they may be one just as He and the Father are one. He explains that this visible unity serves as evidence to the world that God sent Him.
Study Note
This chapter is often referred to as the 'High Priestly Prayer' because Jesus intercedes for His followers as a mediator before His sacrifice.
Related Chapters
John Chapter 1
Both chapters emphasize the pre-existence of Jesus and His glory with the Father before the world began.
Psalm 119
Jesus' statement that God's word is truth reflects the sentiments regarding the law and truth found in this Psalm.
John Chapter 13
John 17 serves as the conclusion to the Upper Room discourse that began in chapter 13.
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