How does John 17:24 reveal Jesus' desire for believers' unity with Him? Setting the Scene John 17 records Jesus’ “High Priestly Prayer” on the night before the cross. Verse 24 is the climactic request: “Father, I want those You have given Me to be with Me where I am, that they may see My glory, the glory You gave Me because You loved Me before the foundation of the world.” Phrase-by-Phrase Observations • “Father, I want” – The Son’s longing is voiced directly to the Father. • “those You have given Me” – Believers are the Father’s gift to the Son (cf. John 6:37-39). • “to be with Me where I am” – Spatial and relational closeness. • “that they may see My glory” – Union includes clear, unveiled vision. • “the glory You gave Me” – Shared glory comes from the Father. • “because You loved Me before the foundation of the world” – Eternal love is the source and guarantee of this unity. Unity Rooted in the Father’s Gift • The Father “gave” people to Jesus (John 6:39; 10:29). • Our unity with Christ is not self-generated; it is grounded in the Father’s sovereign choice. • Because the gift is irrevocable (Romans 11:29), the unity Jesus prays for is secure. Unity Expressed in Shared Presence • “Be with Me where I am” echoes John 14:3: “I will come back and welcome you into My presence, so that you also may be where I am.” • Final fulfillment: “so we will always be with the Lord.” (1 Thessalonians 4:17) • Even now, believers are spiritually “seated… with Him in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 2:6). • Presence, not mere proximity—an ongoing, intimate fellowship. Unity Unfolding Through Shared Glory • Jesus desires that we “see My glory,” not from a distance but as participants (cf. 2 Corinthians 3:18). • Ultimate vision: “we will be like Him, for we will see Him as He is.” (1 John 3:2) • This glory is relational, flowing from the Father’s love to the Son and now to us (John 17:22-23). Unity Anchored in Eternal Love • The Father loved the Son “before the foundation of the world.” • Our union with Christ is tied to that eternal love; therefore it cannot fail. • Revelation 21:3: “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man… God Himself will be with them as their God.” The eternal plan has always aimed at this shared life. Living Out This Union Today • Rest in assurance: the Son’s prayer is certain to be answered. • Pursue holiness: shared glory motivates present transformation (1 John 3:3). • Cultivate awareness of Christ’s nearness through Word and Spirit. • Foster unity with fellow believers, remembering we are jointly “those You have given Me.” • Anticipate the day when faith becomes sight, and the fullness of Jesus’ desire—our eternal, joyful union with Him—comes into view. |
    |