Meaning of John 17:5

In John 17:5, Jesus prays for a return to a state of divine glory, a glory that existed with the Father before the creation of the world. This is not a plea for an enhancement of His divine nature, which is eternal and immutable, but rather a request for the restoration and recognition of His pre-existent divine status, particularly as it relates to His incarnate mission and its culmination in the cross and resurrection. Jesus, in His humanity, has been living in a state of veiled glory, experiencing the limitations and suffering of mortal existence. His petition is for the Father to re-establish the full manifestation and acknowledgment of His divine radiance and authority, a glory that was temporarily obscured by His incarnation and earthly ministry. This prayer is a profound declaration of His divine identity and His intimate relationship with the Father, looking forward to the completion of His redemptive work.

Context and Background

This verse is found within Jesus' High Priestly Prayer, recorded in John chapter 17. This prayer is a pivotal moment in Jesus' ministry, occurring immediately before His arrest and crucifixion. It is characterized by its intimacy and scope, encompassing His prayer for Himself, for His disciples (both present and future), and ultimately for all believers. The prayer is a testament to Jesus' deep knowledge of His divine origin and His unwavering commitment to fulfilling the Father's will. John 17:5 specifically marks the transition from Jesus' prayer for Himself to His intercession for His disciples.

Key Themes and Messages

• Pre-existence of Christ: The verse explicitly states that Jesus had glory with the Father "before the world began." This is a crucial affirmation of His divine, eternal nature, predating creation itself.
• Divine Glory: The "glory" referred to is the inherent radiance, majesty, and perfection of God. Jesus' incarnation, while fully divine, involved a certain veiling of this glory in His human experience.
• The Father-Son Relationship: The intimate address, "And now, Father," highlights the profound unity and relationship between Jesus and God the Father.
• Completion of Mission: The prayer for glorification is linked to the completion of His earthly mission, culminating in His return to the Father.

Spiritual Significance and Application

For believers, this prayer underscores the divine authority and eternal nature of Jesus Christ. It assures us that His present intercession on our behalf stems from His inherent divine status. The glorification Jesus seeks is not for His personal benefit but is intrinsically tied to the redemption and vindication of His people. His return to glory signifies the ultimate triumph of His work and the restoration of all things.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

John 17:5 aligns with the overarching theme of Christ's divinity presented throughout Scripture, from the Old Testament prophecies pointing to the Messiah to the New Testament affirmations of His deity. It echoes passages like Colossians 1:17, which states that Christ "is before all things, and in him all things hold together," and Philippians 2:6, which speaks of Christ Jesus, "who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage."

Analogies

One analogy to understand this is that of a king who, for a period, descends to live amongst his subjects in disguise, experiencing their hardships. When his mission is complete, he reassumes his royal regalia and throne, and his subjects recognize his true, inherent majesty. Similarly, Jesus, in His incarnation, veiled His divine glory, but His prayer is for its full restoration and recognition upon the completion of His redemptive task. Another analogy could be a brilliant scientist who, for the purpose of research, immerses himself in a primitive society, setting aside his advanced knowledge and tools. Upon completing his study, he returns to his laboratory, where his full intellectual capacity and the fruits of his research are acknowledged and utilized.

Relation to Other Verses

• John 1:1-2: "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning." This passage directly supports the concept of Christ's pre-existence and divine nature.
• John 13:31-32: After Judas left to betray Him, Jesus said, "Now the Son of Man is glorified and God is glorified in him. If God is glorified in him, God will glorify the Son of Man in himself, and will glorify him at once." This foreshadows the glorification through the cross.
• 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 describes the ultimate glorification and acknowledgment of Christ.
• Hebrews 1:3: "The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word." This emphasizes Christ's inherent divine glory.