this entire chapter is what is called the high priestly prayer of Jesus. He begins by approaching God in prayer, in the unique relationship they have together. He then turns his attention to his disciples. In particular that they may be unified in God, and have his protection. In the passage we look at today, he continues his prayer for his disciples, focusing on their ordeal with encountering the world.
John 17:20-26
To review the conclusion from last time, we find that the context of Jesus prayer is not simply for his disciples alone. He extends it to all future believers as well. All believers should be unified together and the Holy Spirit. Our bond should be on par with the bond between God the father and Jesus the son, with the purpose being that all the world should look on our bonds of love and also believe. If not a belief in Christ, at least a belief and understanding that he was indeed sent from God.
20 “I do not ask on behalf of these alone, but for those also who believe in Me through their word;
21 that they may all be one; even 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.
Their Future Glory
Christ has received God’s divine glory. He has in turn given it to his believers. It’s this unique glory from God, his Holy Spirit that uniquely binds us together.
So, they went on their way from the presence of the Council, rejoicing that they had been considered worthy to suffer shame for His name.
Acts 5:41 NASBBut we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit.
2 Corinthians 3:18 NASBTherefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.
2 Corinthians 5:20 NASB
Christ repeats his relationship of being in the father and the father and him. When we join in that relationship, we are perfected, or completed. Again, the purpose is that at the very least, the world may believe that Christ was sent by God. He also wants each believer to understand that God loves us to the same extent he loved Jesus.
We proclaim Him, admonishing every man and teaching every man with all wisdom, so that we may present every man complete in Christ.
Colossians 1:28 NASBColossians 2:2,9,10 NASB
2 that their hearts may be encouraged, having been knit together in love, and attaining to all the wealth that comes from the full assurance of understanding, resulting in a true knowledge of God’s mystery, that is, Christ Himself,
9 For in Him all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form,
10 and in Him you have been made complete, and He is the head over all rule and authority;1 See how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we would be called children of God; and such we are for this reason the world does not know us, because it did not know Him.
1 John 3:1 NASB
In a previous part of this prayer, Jesus seems to be forbidding God to take the believers home immediately. That may be true in our temporary world, but ultimately, he wants all of his believers to be at his side. He wants us to see him as he really is in his glorified body, and not how he was as the slain lamb on the cross. He wants his followers to see God’s eternal love on him.
“If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to myself, that where I am, there you may be also.
John 14:3 NASB“His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful slave You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.’
Matthew 25:21 NASBFor now, we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I will know fully just as I also have been fully known.
1 Corinthians 13:12 NASBProverbs 8:21-31
though all the world may remain unbelievers, Jesus vouches for these disciples, and by extension to all future disciples.
For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not come to know God, God was well-pleased through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe.
1 Corinthians 1:21 NASB
Jesus personally had taught his disciples. Through the continued teaching from one disciple to the next generation of disciples, he continues to make himself known. It is through this passing of the torch, that God’s love continues to be made known to his believers.
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