Meaning of John 17:20

This verse, John 17:20, reveals Jesus' profound intercessory prayer extending beyond his immediate disciples to encompass all future believers. It underscores the universality of Jesus' mission and the enduring nature of his concern for humanity. His prayer is not limited by time or geography; it anticipates and embraces every individual who will come to faith through the testimony of those who first heard his words. This highlights a crucial aspect of the Great Commission, where the disciples are empowered to spread the Gospel, and their message becomes the conduit through which future generations will encounter Christ.

Context and Background

This verse is found within Jesus' High Priestly Prayer in the Upper Room, recorded in John chapter 17. This prayer is a pivotal moment in Jesus' ministry, occurring just before his arrest and crucifixion. It is a deeply personal and theological discourse where Jesus prays for himself, for his disciples who are present, and for the church that will follow. John 17:20 specifically marks the transition from praying for the current disciples to praying for those who will believe in the future, establishing a direct link between the apostles' witness and the faith of subsequent generations.

Key Themes and Messages

• Universality of Salvation: Jesus' prayer demonstrates that salvation is not a limited offer but is intended for all who believe, regardless of when or where they live.
• The Role of Witness: The phrase "through their message" emphasizes the vital importance of the disciples' (and by extension, the church's) role in proclaiming the Gospel. Faith is often generated through hearing the word.
• Continuity of the Church: This verse establishes the enduring nature of the Christian community, extending from the original apostles to believers throughout history.
• Jesus' Ongoing Intercession: It reveals Jesus as a perpetual intercessor, continually praying for his followers, both then and now.

Spiritual Significance and Application

John 17:20 is a cornerstone for understanding the communal and historical dimension of faith. For individual believers, it provides assurance that they are included in Jesus' loving care and prayer. It also instills a sense of responsibility, reminding believers that their faith is a legacy passed down through faithful witnesses and that they, in turn, are called to be faithful messengers to others. The verse calls for unity within the body of Christ, transcending temporal and cultural divides, as all believers are united in Christ's intercessory prayer.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

This verse finds its roots in Old Testament prophecies foretelling a universal kingdom and a Messiah who would be a light to the nations (e.g., Isaiah 49:6). It is fulfilled in the New Testament through the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20), which mandates the spread of the Gospel to all people. Furthermore, it aligns with the concept of the church as the body of Christ, a unified entity composed of believers from all eras, united by faith in him.

Analogies

• A Relay Race: Imagine the Gospel as a baton passed from Jesus to the original disciples, and then onward through generations of believers. Each runner faithfully carries and passes the baton, ensuring its continuation. Jesus prays for all the runners in this eternal race.
• A Seed and its Harvest: Jesus is the sower who plants the seed of his message. The disciples are the first sprouts, and subsequent believers are the ever-expanding harvest that continues to grow from that initial planting. Jesus prays for the entire harvest.
• A Foundation and its Building: The apostles are the foundational stones upon which the church is built. Jesus' prayer encompasses all who will be added to this spiritual building over time, ensuring its integrity and growth.

Relation to Other Verses

• John 1:12: "Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God." This verse speaks to the individual act of belief, which John 17:20 expands to include the collective, future body of believers.
• Romans 10:14-15: "How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? ... How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” This passage directly supports the concept in John 17:20 that belief comes through hearing the message of those sent by Christ.
• Matthew 28:19-20: The Great Commission directly echoes the sentiment of John 17:20, commissioning the disciples to make disciples of all nations, thereby ensuring that future generations would hear and believe the message.
• Ephesians 2:20: "built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone." This verse highlights the foundational role of the apostles, whose message, as per John 17:20, would lead to future faith.