John 17:1 records Jesus lifting His eyes to heaven and saying, ‘Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you.’ This verse marks the opening of Jesus’ High Priestly Prayer, where He presents Himself before the Father, acknowledging that the time of His crucifixion has arrived and expressing His complete desire to bring glory to God through His sacrifice.
Few moments in all of Scripture are as intimate and profound as the prayer recorded in John 17:1 — the moment when Jesus Christ, on the eve of His crucifixion, lifted His eyes toward heaven and began speaking directly to His Father. This single verse opens the door to the longest recorded prayer of Jesus in the Gospels, a passage that reveals the depth of love radiating between the Father and the Son, and the vast eternal purpose that was about to unfold at the cross. When we slow down and study John 17:1, we are not merely reading ancient words — we are being invited into the very heart of God.
In this article, we will carefully unpack the meaning of John 17:1, exploring what Jesus meant when He said, “Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son also may glorify You.” We will examine the context of this powerful declaration, the significance of “the hour” that had finally arrived, and how this verse sets the stage for the most important prayer ever prayed. Whether you are a new believer encountering this passage for the first time or a longtime follower of Christ seeking a deeper understanding, our prayer is that this study will draw you closer to the One who spoke these words — Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God, who came not to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.
What Does John 17:1 Say?
John 17:1 in Multiple Bible Translations
Looking at John 17:1 across different Bible translations reveals the depth and beauty of Jesus’ words. While each version captures the same core truth, the wording varies slightly. Below is a comparison of several popular translations.
| Translation | Text of John 17:1 |
|---|---|
| King James Version (KJV) | “These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee.” |
| New International Version (NIV) | “After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed, ‘Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you.'” |
| English Standard Version (ESV) | “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.'” |
| New Living Translation (NLT) | “After saying all these things, Jesus looked up to heaven and said, ‘Father, the time has come. Glorify your Son so he can give glory back to you.'” |
| New King James Version (NKJV) | “Jesus spoke these words, lifted up His eyes to heaven, and said: ‘Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son also may glorify You.'” |
| Amplified Bible (AMP) | “Jesus spoke these things; and raising His eyes to heaven, He said, ‘Father, the hour has come. Glorify and exalt and honor and magnify Your Son, so that the Son may glorify and extol and honor and magnify You.'” |
While the translations differ in style, each one communicates three essential truths:
- Jesus prayed directly to the Father — This is personal, intimate communion between God the Son and God the Father.
- “The hour has come” — A pivotal moment in salvation history. the cross was now near.
- “Glorify your Son” — Jesus asked the Father for glory that He might give glory back. This is a picture of perfect unity between them.
The Amplified Bible especially highlights the richness of the word “glorify.” It layers synonyms like exalt, honor, and magnify to capture the full weight of what Jesus meant. Recognizing these layers helps us appreciate the greatness of this prayer.
The Context of John 17
John 17:1 did not appear in isolation. It opens what many scholars call “the High Priestly Prayer” — Jesus’ longest recorded prayer in the entire Bible. To truly understand this single verse, we need to understand what came before and what was about to unfold.
What Jesus Had Just Spoken
Jesus said “these words” before He prayed. That directs us back to John chapters 13 through 16. In that section, Jesus shared deeply personal truths with His disciples during His final night before the arrest. Consider what He had just told them:
- New Commandment: Jesus asked believers to love one another as He loved them (John 13:34).
- Promise of the Holy Spirit: He promised the Comforter would come after His departure (John 16:7).
- Coming Persecution: He warned that the world would hate His followers (John 16:33).
- Declaration of Victory: He proclaimed, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33, NIV).
Teaching like this shows the tenderness of Jesus. He knew His time was almost over. He wanted His disciples prepared, encouraged, and rooted in truth.
The Setting: What Was About to Happen
John 17:1 introduces what the Gospels call the hour. This term appears many times across John’s Gospel. Here is a quick look at its significance throughout the book:
| Scripture Reference | How “The Hour” Is Referenced |
|---|---|
| John 2:4 | Jesus told Mary, “My hour has not yet come.” His public mission was just beginning. |
| John 7:30 | People tried to seize Him, but “His hour had not yet come.” God’s timing was sovereign. |
| John 12:23 | Jesus declared, “The hour for the Son of Man to be glorified has come.” |
| John 17:1 | “Now, Father, the hour has come.” The moment of the cross had finally arrived. |
In John 17:1, Jesus acknowledges that the most important moment in human history is at hand. He was about to face betrayal, an illegal trial, scourging, mockery, and crucifixion. Yet He did not respond with fear or despair. Instead, He looked up to heaven and prayed.
This context serves as a powerful example for every believer. When life becomes overwhelming, Jesus shows us the right response. He turned to His Father in prayer. As Paul encourerages believers in Philippians 4:6, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
Why This Matters
John 17:1 is not only a verse to read. It is a verse to study, meditate upon, and let transform our prayer lives. As we move forward and explore the meaning deeper, we will uncover truths about Jesus’ identity, His mission, and His relationship with the Father. These truths remain the foundation of the Christian faith and the heartbeat of the Gospel.
What Does John 17:1 Mean?
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Jesus Glorifies the Father
John 17:1 opens with a profound and triumphant declaration.
“Jesus spoke these things; and lifting up His eyes to heaven, He said, ‘Father, the hour has come; glorify Your Son, that the Son may glorify You.'” (NASB)
The first truth we encounter is Jesus’ request for glory. Yet this is no selfish plea. Jesus asks to be glorified for a specific purpose — that He may glorify the Father in return.
This reveals the beautiful, selfless flow of glory within the Trinity. God the Father glorifies the Son. Then Jesus glorifies the Father. Neither seeks glory for Himself alone. Instead, glory moves between them like light reflecting between mirrors — endlessly, perfectly, and without loss.
But what does “glorify” mean in this context? The Greek word is doxazō (δοξάζω). It means to make known the true nature and splendor of someone. [1]
So when Jesus asks the Father to glorify Him, He is asking for the Father to reveal His true identity. He wants the world to see who He really is — not merely a teacher, not merely a prophet, but the eternal Son of God.
Furthermore, Jesus makes clear that His glorification will result in the Father being glorified. This is crucial. Jesus is not building His own kingdom at the Father’s expense. He is completing the Father’s work.
As Jesus said in John 4:34:
“My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me and to accomplish His work.”
The glorification Jesus seeks is not about fame or recognition. It is about faithfulness to the mission the Father gave Him. And that mission was the cross.
The Inverted Kingdom
Here is something remarkable. In John 17:1, Jesus links His glorification to the cross. the cross — an instrument of shame — would become the ultimate revelation of God’s glory. How is that possible?
Because on the cross, Jesus would:
- Defeat sin once and for all (Hebrews 9:26)
- Demonstrate God’s love in the most powerful way imaginable (Romans 5:8)
- Triumph over death and Satan (Colossians 2:15)
- Open the door to eternal life for all who believe (John 3:16)
The world expected glory to come through conquest and power. But God chose the cross. As the apostle Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 1:18:
“For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.”
Jesus glorified the Father by obeying Him completely — even unto death (Philippians 2:8). And the Father glorified Jesus by raising Him from the dead (Romans 6:4).
The Hour Has Come
The phrase “the hour has come” is one of the most significant declarations in John’s Gospel. Throughout the Gospel of John, Jesus repeatedly referred to “His hour” — and previously, it had not yet come.
“His hour had not yet come.” (John 2:4, 7:30, 8:20)
But now, in John 17:1, everything changes. The waiting is over. The moment that had been set before the foundation of the world (Revelation 13:8) had finally arrived.
What is “the hour”? It refers to the entire redemptive climax of Jesus’ earthly mission:
- His betrayal and arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane
- His trials before religious and political authorities
- His crucifixion on the cross at Calvary
- His burial in a borrowed tomb
- His resurrection on the third day
- His ascension back to the Father’s right hand
All of this is packed into those five words: “the hour has come.”
Consider the weight of that phrase. Jesus knew exactly what awaited Him. He did not shrink from it. The Garden of Gethsemane, just verses later, shows His genuine anguish (Matthew 26:39). Yet here in John 17:1, there is no hesitation.
Jesus had said in John 10:18:
“No one takes it away from Me, but I lay it down on My own initiative. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again.”
The hour had come because Jesus chose for it to come. He was not a victim of circumstances. He was the Sovereign Son of God, walking willingly toward the cross for our salvation.
A Swirling Sense of Divine Purpose
The phrase “the hour has come” also marks a dramatic turning point in the Gospel of John. The first twelve chapters are often called “The Book of Signs”, showcasing Jesus’ miracles and public ministry. John 13 onward is “The Book of Glory”, focusing on the cross and resurrection.
John 17:1 sits right at the hinge between these two great sections. Jesus has finished His public testimony. Now He turns to prayer — and to the suffering that will accomplish our redemption.
There is a sense of divine momentum here. The hour cannot be delayed. It cannot be stopped. God’s plan of salvation, foretold through the prophets for thousands of years, was now unfolding in real time.
Peter later understood this clearly. In his sermon at Pentecost, he declared (Acts 2:23):
“This Man, delivered over by the predetermined plan and foreknowledge of God, you nailed to the cross by the hands of godless men and put Him to death.”
The cross was both a horrible sin against God and the fulfillment of God’s perfect plan. The hour had come. Nothing could stop what God had purposed before the world began.
The Relationship Between the Father and the Son
Perhaps the most breathtaking aspect of John 17:1 is what it reveals about the relationship between God the Father and God the Son. Jesus begins by calling God “Father” — a word full of intimacy, trust, and deep love.
This is not a distant, formal relationship. Jesus addresses God with the warm familiarity of a beloved son speaking to His father. Yet this is also a relationship embedded within the mystery of the eternal Trinity — one God in three Persons, co-equal, co-eternal, and perfectly united in purpose.
At the very heart of John 17:1, we see three truths about this relationship:
- The Son submits to the Father’s will. Jesus does not act independently. He seeks the Father’s direction and glory.
- The Father delights in the Son. There is no tension here. The Father loves the Son (John 3:35).
- Their purposes are united. The mission of the Son is the mission of the Father.
Jesus had made this unity clear earlier in His ministry:
“I and the Father are one.” (John 10:30)
And again:
“If you knew Me, you would know My Father also.” (John 8:19)
The relationship between Father and Son is one of perfect love, the very love that overflows to us. Jesus prayed later in this same chapter (John 17:26):
“The love with which You loved Me may be in them, and I in them.”
We are invited into the love that exists within the Trinity. That is the staggering truth of John 17:1.
A Prayer Born of Eternity
Notice that Jesus prays with His eyes lifted to heaven. This is visibly significant. He is looking directly at the One He has been with from eternity past (John 1:1-3).
John’s Gospel opens by declaring the eternal pre-existence of Jesus:
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” (John 1:1)
Jesus was not created. He did not begin in a Bethlehem manger. He is the eternal Second Person of the Trinity. And in John 17:1, this eternal Son looks up to His eternal Father to begin the prayer that will carry Him to the cross.
This moment is both deeply human and gloriously divine. Jesus, in His humanity, feels the weight of what is coming. In His divinity, He knows the glorious outcome. And in the perfect unity of both natures, He prays — “Father, the hour has come.”
The Father-Son Relationship and Our Salvation
The relationship between Father and Son in John 17:1 is not merely a theological curiosity. It is the very foundation of our salvation.
It was the Father’s love that sent the Son into the world (John 3:16). It was the Son’s obedience that accomplished the Father’s plan. And it is their perfect unity that guarantees the eternal security of every believer.
Jesus said in John 6:37:
“All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will certainly not cast out.”
The Father gives people to the Son. The Son receives and keeps them. Neither fails. Their relationship ensures that everyone who comes to Christ by faith will be saved — securely and forever.
This is the glory of John 17:1. At its center is a relationship of love so perfect, so powerful, and so unbreakable that it spans eternity. And through faith in Jesus Christ, we are drawn into it.
As Jesus prayed in John 17:21:
“That they all may be one; just as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me.”
John 17:1 is far more than the opening line of a prayer. It is a window into the heart of God — His love, His plan, His glory, and His unshakeable purpose to redeem a lost world through His Son, Jesus Christ.
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Why Is John 17:1 So Important?
The Beginning of Jesus’ High Priestly Prayer
John 17:1 marks the opening of what many scholars call the “High Priestly Prayer” of Jesus. This is the longest recorded prayer of Jesus in the entire Bible. It is deeply personal, profoundly theological, and incredibly comforting for every believer.
After delivering His final teachings to the disciples in chapters 13 through 16, Jesus now turns His full attention to the Father. He lifts His eyes to heaven and begins to pray. This moment is not casual. It is sacred. Jesus is preparing to face the cross, and His first act is prayer.
This prayer serves as a bridge between Jesus’ earthly ministry and His sacrificial death. In it, He prays for Himself, for His disciples, and ultimately for every future believer — including you and me (John 17:20). The weight of eternity rests on this moment.
Consider what makes this prayer so remarkable:
- It reveals the heart of Jesus. We see His deepest desires — that the Father would be glorified and that His followers would be kept in truth.
- It reveals the relationship within the Godhead. Jesus speaks to the Father with an intimacy and authority that only the Son of God could possess.
- It reveals God’s plan for salvation. Jesus prays for the unity of all believers, showing that God’s redemptive plan extends far beyond the cross.
- It reveals the purpose of His suffering. Jesus knows what is coming. Yet He does not shrink back. He embraces the Father’s will completely.
The High Priestly Prayer gets its name from the role of the high priest in the Old Testament. The high priest would enter the Holy of Holies to intercede for the people of Israel (Leviticus 16). Jesus, our ultimate High Priest, now intercedes before the Father on behalf of all who would believe in Him (Hebrews 7:25). John 17:1 is where that intercession begins.
This is why John 17:1 is so important. It is not just a verse that introduces a prayer. It is the doorway into the most intimate conversation between the Father and the Son ever recorded in Scripture. Through it, we are invited to witness the love, purpose, and glory of God at work in the most pivotal moment in human history.
A Model of Perfect Submission to God
John 17:1 also presents Jesus as the perfect model of submission to the Father. When Jesus says, “Father, the hour has come,” He is acknowledging that the Father’s plan is unfolding exactly as intended. There is no resistance. There is no hesitation. There is only complete surrender to the will of God.
This is extraordinary when you consider what “the hour” means. The hour refers to Jesus’ arrest, trial, crucifixion, and death. Jesus knows He will face unimaginable suffering. In the Garden of Gethsemane, He would later pray, “Not my will, but yours be done” (Luke 22:42). Yet here in John 17:1, His posture is one of calm resolve and holy confidence.
Jesus’ submission teaches us several vital truths:
- God’s timing is perfect. Jesus does not rush ahead of the Father’s plan, nor does He delay. He acts precisely when the moment arrives.
- Glory comes through surrender. Jesus glorifies the Father not by avoiding suffering but by embracing the path the Father has set before Him.
- Authority and humility coexist. Jesus, who holds all authority (Matthew 28:18), willingly submits to the Father. This is not weakness. It is the highest expression of strength and love.
- Prayer is the foundation of obedience. Before Jesus goes to the cross, He prays. His submission flows from His communion with the Father.
For believers today, John 17:1 is a powerful reminder that our calling is to follow Jesus’ example. We are to submit our lives, our plans, and our fears to the Father. We are to trust that His timing is right and His purposes are good, even when the path ahead is difficult (Romans 8:28).
Jesus did not glorify Himself. He glorified the Father. And in doing so, He secured eternal life for all who believe in Him (John 17:2–3). That is the heart of the Gospel. That is the message of John 17:1. And that is why this single verse carries such extraordinary importance for every follower of Christ.
John 17:1 in the Broader Biblical Narrative
Glory Throughout the Gospel of John
The theme of glory runs like a golden thread through the entire Gospel of John. From the very first chapter, John declares that “the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory” (John 1:14). This glory is not merely a bright light or a spectacular display. It is the visible revelation of God’s character, love, and power through the person of Jesus Christ.
Throughout His ministry, Jesus revealed this glory in many ways:
- At the wedding in Cana, Jesus turned water into wine, and “his disciples believed in him” (John 2:11). This was the first sign of His glory.
- In His teaching, Jesus spoke with an authority that astonished the crowds, revealing the Father’s heart in every word (John 7:46).
- Through His miracles, Jesus gave sight to the blind, healed the sick, and even raised the dead — each act pointing to the glory of God at work in human flesh (John 11:4).
- In His “I AM” statements, Jesus identified Himself with the very name of God, declaring “I am the light of the world” (John 8:12) and “I am the resurrection and the life” (John 11:25).
By the time we reach John 17:1, the word “glorify” carries the weight of everything Jesus has said and done. When He says, “Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son,” He is not asking for something new. He is asking the Father to bring His entire mission to its glorious completion — through the cross, the resurrection, and the gift of eternal life.
Furthermore, the Gospel of John makes it clear that this glory is mutual. Jesus glorifies the Father through His obedience, and the Father glorifies the Son through His power. As Jesus says earlier in John 13:31, “Now the Son of Man is glorified, and God is glorified in Him.” This beautiful exchange of glory reveals the perfect unity within the Trinity — Father, Son, and Spirit working together for the salvation of the world.
The Cross, the Crown, and Eternal Life
When Jesus speaks of His “hour” in John 17:1, He is pointing directly to the cross. Earlier in John’s Gospel, Jesus said, “The hour has not yet come” (John 2:4; 7:30). But now, at last, the hour has arrived. This is the moment toward which all of human history has been moving.
The cross and the crown are inseparable in God’s plan. Jesus understood that the path to glory ran directly through suffering. As the writer of Hebrews later explained, “For the joy that was set before him he endured the cross, despising the shame” (Hebrews 12:2). The cross was not a tragic accident. It was the Father’s ordained plan to redeem a lost world.
Consider the profound connection between glory and the cross:
- The cross is where God’s love is fully displayed. “God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).
- The cross is where sin is defeated. Through His death, Jesus bore the penalty that we deserved, satisfying God’s justice and opening the door to forgiveness (1 Peter 2:24).
- The cross is where the crown is won. Because Jesus humbled Himself to death on a cross, “God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name” (Philippians 2:9).
As a result of this glorious work, Jesus could pray with confidence in John 17:2, asking the Father to give eternal life to all who believe. The cross makes eternal life possible. The resurrection makes it certain. And the prayer of John 17 shows us that this was always the Father’s gracious plan — to bring many sons and daughters to glory (Hebrews 2:10).
In the broader biblical narrative, John 17:1 stands as a pivotal verse. It connects the glory of God revealed throughout the Old Testament with the ultimate revelation of that glory at the cross. It reminds us that our salvation was not an afterthought. It was the eternal purpose of a loving God, accomplished through His Son, Jesus Christ — the Lamb who was slain before the foundation of the world (Revelation 13:8).
How Can We Apply John 17:1 to Our Lives?
Living to Glorify God
Jesus said, “Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you” (John 17:1, NIV). This simple yet profound statement reveals the very heart of Jesus’ mission. Furthermore, it shows us the pattern our own lives should follow.
When we read John 17:1, we see that Jesus did not live for His own glory. Instead, He lived to bring glory to the Father. As a result, He calls us to do the same. In 1 Corinthians 10:31, we are told, “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
But what does it actually mean to glorify God in our daily lives? It means that every decision, every word, and every action should reflect His character. It means living in such a way that others see Jesus in us.
Here are some practical ways we can live to glorify God:
- Obey His Word. Jesus perfectly obeyed the Father’s will. In the same way, we glorify God when we follow His commands. John 14:15 says, “If you love me, keep my commands.”
- Love others sacrificially. Jesus showed the ultimate love by laying down His life. We glorify God when we love our neighbors, serve the hurting, and forgive those who wrong us.
- Share the Gospel. The good news of Jesus Christ is the greatest message in the world. When we share our faith, we bring glory to God. Romans 1:16 reminds us, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes.”
- Give thanks in all circumstances. Gratitude honors God. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 instructs us to “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
- Use your gifts to serve. God has given each believer unique talents and abilities. When we use them for His purposes, we glorify Him. 1 Peter 4:10 says, “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace.”
Living to glorify God is not about perfection. Rather, it is about direction. It is about orienting our hearts toward the Father each and every day. When we do this, our lives become a living testimony of God’s goodness and grace.
Trusting God’s Timing and Purpose
In John 17:1, Jesus acknowledged that “the hour has come.” This was the hour He had been moving toward His entire earthly life. It was the hour of suffering, of the cross, and ultimately of victory. Yet Jesus did not resist it. Instead, He embraced it fully, trusting the Father’s perfect plan.
This teaches us a powerful lesson about trusting God’s timing. In our own lives, we often face seasons of waiting, uncertainty, or hardship. However, we can take comfort in knowing that God’s timing is always perfect. Ecclesiastes 3:1 tells us, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.”
Jesus knew that the cross was not the end. Beyond the suffering lay the resurrection. Beyond the grave lay eternal glory. In the same way, the trials we face today are not the end of our story. God is working all things together for good (Romans 8:28).
Here is how we can learn to trust God’s timing and purpose:
- Remember God’s faithfulness in the past. When we look back at how God has provided, protected, and guided us, it builds our faith for the future. Deuteronomy 7:9 assures us that God is faithful and keeps His covenant “to a thousand generations.”
- Pray with honesty and surrender. Jesus prayed openly to the Father. We can bring our fears, doubts, and questions to God. Philippians 4:6 encourages us, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
- Rest in God’s sovereignty. God is in control, even when life feels chaotic. Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
- Be patient and persevere. James 1:12 tells us, “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.”
Just as Jesus trusted the Father through His darkest hour, we too can trust God through every season of life. His purposes will prevail. His plan will unfold. And in the end, His glory will be revealed.
As we reflect on John 17:1, let us remember that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, fully divine and fully human. He came to glorify the Father and to accomplish the work of salvation. Through His death and resurrection, He offers eternal life to all who believe. May we live each day to glorify Him and trust His perfect timing, knowing that He who began a good work in us will carry it to completion (Philippians 1:6).
Frequently Asked Questions
What does John 17:1 mean?
John 17:1 marks the moment Jesus lifted His eyes to heaven and prayed directly to His Father. He had just finished speaking with His disciples. Now He turned His full attention to God. In this verse, Jesus acknowledged that the hour of His crucifixion and glorification had fully arrived. He asked the Father to glorify Him so that the Son could, in return, glorify the Father. This verse sets the stage for what is often called the “High Priestly Prayer,” the longest recorded prayer of Jesus in all of Scripture. Jesus was not merely asking for personal honor. He was asking that God’s plan of salvation be completed through His death, resurrection, and return to glory.
What’s the difference between called and chosen?
The Bible uses both terms, and they carry distinct but connected meanings. To understand the difference clearly, consider the following:
- Called: This refers to the invitation of the Gospel, which goes out to all people. Jesus said in Matthew 22:14, “For many are called, but few are chosen.” The universal call invites everyone to repent and believe.
- Chosen: This refers to those who not only hear the call but genuinely respond in faith and obedience through the work of the Holy Spirit. God’s choosing is rooted in His sovereign grace and foreknowledge (1 Peter 1:2).
- The connection: The external call goes out broadly. However, only those who accept that call through genuine faith are counted among the chosen. Their transformed lives bear evidence of that election.
In the context of John 17, Jesus prayed specifically for those the Father had given Him. These are the ones who had responded in faith to His calling.
Who was the only disciple that was not killed?
The Apostle John, the son of Zebedee, is widely believed to be the only one of the twelve original apostles who died of natural causes. According to early church tradition, he lived to an old age and died in Ephesus sometime near the end of the first century. All eleven other apostles and Paul suffered martyrdom for their faith in Christ [2].
However, the Scriptures do not explicitly confirm this. John 21:22-23 records Jesus saying to Peter regarding John, “If I want him to remain until I come, what is that to you?” This led to an early rumor that John would never die. Jesus, however, did not say John would not die. He simply left the matter in the Father’s sovereign hands. John’s long life served God’s purpose. It allowed him to write the Gospel of John, three epistles, and the book of Revelation well after the other Gospels were completed.
Does the Bible say children will turn against parents?
Yes. Jesus Himself stated this plainly. In Matthew 10:35-36, He said, “For I have come to turn ‘a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law — a man’s enemies will be the members of his own household.'” Jesus was not promoting family division. Instead, He was warning that faithful obedience to Him would sometimes create painful divisions. Why? Because when one person accepts Christ as Lord and another does not, values, priorities, and allegiances inevitably clash.
This fulfillment is visible throughout the New Testament. Early Christians were disowned by their own families. Paul himself was once Saul, who persecuted believers. Furthermore, this dynamic continues today. Many believers around the world face rejection from loved ones simply because they follow Jesus Christ.
What is the main message of John 17?
John 17 carries several powerful truths. To understand its central message, consider these key themes:
- Jesus’ unity with the Father: Jesus prayed for the restoration of the glory He shared with the Father before the world existed (John 17:5). This affirms His eternal divine nature.
- Jesus’ intercession for believers: Unlike the other Gospels, which briefly record Jesus praying, John 17 gives us the full content of His prayer. He prayed for the apostles, for those who would believe because of their message, and ultimately for every generation of believers including us (John 17:20).
- The source of eternal life: In John 17:3, Jesus defined eternal life. It is not merely living forever. It is knowing the only true God and Jesus Christ whom He has sent. True life begins with a personal, saving relationship with Christ.
- Unity among believers: Jesus prayed that all believers would be one, just as He and the Father are one (John 17:21). This unity is meant to be a powerful witness to the world that Jesus truly is the Son of God.
- God’s protection over His own: Jesus asked the Father not to take believers out of the world but to protect them from the evil one (John 17:15). This assures us that our security in Christ is grounded in God’s faithful keeping power.
When we read John 17, we hear the compassionate heart of our Lord. He loved us enough to pray for us before He went to the cross. And Revelation 1:17-18 assures us He lives forevermore as our Great High Priest, continually interceding on our behalf. That is the heart of John 17. That is the heart of Christ.
