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.

John 17:1- 5 (ESV) 

Jesus prays for us

Jesus has been with the disciples 2-3 years. As He nears His departure (through death on the cross and resurrection) and returns to Heaven, He publicly (in front of the disciples) prays for them. In this chapter John records that prayer, the “High Priestly Prayer”.  Not only does He pray specifically for them, He also prays for us (“those who believe in Me through their word”, v20). He prays for protection, unity, keeping them in the Father’s name, and more. Stay tuned.

“There is no voice which has ever been heard, either in heaven or in earth, more exalted, more holy, more fruitful, more sublime, than the prayer offered up by the Son to God Himself.” (Hastings Bible commentary)

All about Glory

John uses glory (or glorify) five times in this passage. It’s all about glory, glory for God. Of course. Who else is worthy of all glory? We were created to give Him glory, and we’ll never be fulfilled until we do. We’ll be doing it for eternity. And giving Him glory brings us unspeakable joy. That’s how God designed it. 

Jesus glorified the Father by doing the work He was sent to do. He had glory with the Father before coming to do that work and, as He completes this work, He will return to that glory. Any glory Jesus receives He returns to the Father who gave it. 

Authority for eternal life

• Jesus has authority over all mankind (all flesh). The Father gives the Son the ones He has chosen for eternal life and the Son gives them eternal life. This brings glory to the Father.
• What is eternal life, in the most basic form? To know God and Jesus Christ, (that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.) Those who properly know this and take it to heart will understand their sin, confess and repent and believe in Christ’s atoning work and be born again.

RЯeflection

• Make a point of giving glory to God. When blessings come, give thanks. When trials come, give thanks and seek Him for help. Reach out to a friend and tell them what God has done for you, what God has done. Sing a song of praise from the heart. Read His word – maybe even read it aloud back to Him. Return any glory you receive to the Father who gives it.
• If you are not a believer yet, consider trusting in Christ and finding your purpose. Click here.