Meaning of John 17:1

This verse marks the beginning of Jesus' High Priestly Prayer, a pivotal moment in the Gospel of John where Jesus intercedes for his disciples and, by extension, all believers. Having just finished his final teachings to the disciples in the Upper Room, and facing his imminent crucifixion, Jesus turns his gaze heavenward, initiating a profound communion with the Father. The opening petition, "Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you," is not a request for personal aggrandizement but a declaration of the divine purpose that underpins Jesus' entire earthly mission. It encapsulates the reciprocal relationship between the Father and the Son, where the ultimate glorification of each is inextricably linked to the other, pointing towards the ultimate triumph of God's redemptive plan.

Context and Background

The immediate context of John 17 is Jesus' farewell discourse to his disciples, recorded in chapters 13-16. This discourse is imbued with a sense of finality and profound instruction as Jesus prepares them for his departure and the coming of the Holy Spirit. The prayer itself, found in John 17, is often referred to as the "High Priestly Prayer" because it mirrors the role of a high priest interceding for the people. Jesus, as the ultimate High Priest, offers himself and his followers before the Father, seeking their sanctification and unity. The phrase "the hour has come" signifies the culmination of Jesus' earthly ministry, the moment of his passion, death, and resurrection, which he had spoken of throughout the Gospel.

Key Themes and Messages

The central theme here is divine glory. Jesus' request for glorification is not for superficial honor but for the manifestation of his divine nature and the fulfillment of his mission. This glorification is directly tied to the glorification of the Father, illustrating a perfect unity of purpose and being between them. It speaks to the reciprocal relationship of love and obedience between the Father and the Son. Jesus' obedience unto death will ultimately bring glory to the Father by demonstrating God's power, love, and victory over sin and death. The verse also introduces the theme of divine mission, highlighting that Jesus' suffering and exaltation are part of a divinely ordained plan.

Spiritual Significance and Application

For believers, this prayer underscores the intercessory role of Christ. Jesus prays not only for himself but also for those who will believe in him through the apostles' word. The glorification of the Son is the means by which believers can experience salvation and draw closer to God. It calls believers to recognize that their own spiritual growth and sanctification are part of God's larger plan to glorify Himself through Christ. The pursuit of God's glory, both individually and corporately, becomes a central aspiration for the Christian life, mirroring the prayer of Christ.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

John 17:1 is deeply interwoven with the entire biblical narrative of redemption. It echoes the Old Testament prophecies of a coming Messiah who would suffer and be exalted, bringing glory to God. The concept of God's glory being revealed is a recurring motif from Genesis to Revelation. This prayer is the ultimate expression of God's plan to reconcile humanity to Himself through the sacrificial work of His Son, a plan initiated in the Old Testament and brought to its climactic fulfillment in Christ's passion and resurrection. It sets the stage for the entire work of salvation, which is ultimately for the glory of God.

Analogies

One analogy for the reciprocal glorification is that of a master craftsman and their masterpiece. The craftsman pours their skill and creativity into the work, and the excellence of the masterpiece brings honor and recognition to the craftsman. Similarly, Jesus, the divine craftsman, fulfills His mission perfectly, and this perfect fulfillment glorifies the Father who sent Him. Another analogy is a perfectly executed musical performance. The brilliance of the musician brings glory to the composer whose music is being played. Jesus' perfect obedience and sacrifice are the ultimate performance that brings ultimate glory to the Father.

Relation to Other Verses

This verse has significant connections to other passages in John and the wider New Testament:

• John 12:23: "Jesus replied, 'The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified.'" This verse foreshadows the very prayer in John 17, indicating Jesus' awareness of the approaching hour of his suffering and exaltation.
• Philippians 2:9-11: "Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." This passage directly reflects the reciprocal glorification mentioned in John 17:1, explaining how Jesus' exaltation brings glory to the Father.
• Hebrews 5:7-8: "During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his godly fear. Although he was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered." This highlights Jesus' prayerful submission and obedience in the face of suffering, which is the very path to his glorification.
• 1 Corinthians 15:41: "The glory of the sun is one kind, the glory of the moon another and the glory of the stars another; and star differs from star in glory." This verse speaks to different levels of glory in creation, and Jesus' request for glorification points to a unique and supreme divine glory.