John 17:5
And now, Father, glorify Me in Your presence with the glory I had with You before the world existed.
And now
This phrase marks a pivotal moment in Jesus' prayer, indicating a transition from His earthly ministry to the fulfillment of His mission. The Greek word "νῦν" (nun) signifies immediacy and urgency, underscoring the culmination of Jesus' work on earth and the impending events of His crucifixion and resurrection. It reflects the divine timing and the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan.

Father
The term "Father" (Greek: "Πατήρ," Pater) is a profound expression of the intimate relationship between Jesus and God. It emphasizes the familial bond and the unity within the Trinity. This address highlights Jesus' divine sonship and His submission to the Father's will, serving as a model for believers in their relationship with God.

glorify Me
The Greek word "δοξάζω" (doxazo) means to honor, magnify, or make glorious. Jesus is asking the Father to restore His pre-incarnate glory, which He temporarily set aside during His earthly ministry. This request is not for personal gain but for the revelation of His divine nature and the fulfillment of God's salvific purposes. It points to the cross as the ultimate display of God's glory through Jesus' obedience and sacrifice.

in Your presence
This phrase, "παρά σεαυτῷ" (para seauto), indicates a return to the intimate fellowship and divine communion that Jesus shared with the Father before His incarnation. It signifies the restoration of His heavenly status and the completion of His earthly mission. This longing for divine presence reflects the believer's ultimate hope of eternal communion with God.

with the glory
The "glory" (Greek: "δόξα," doxa) refers to the divine majesty and splendor that Jesus possessed before the world was created. It encompasses His divine attributes, authority, and the honor due to Him as the Son of God. This glory is intrinsic to His nature and is a testament to His deity, affirming the pre-existence and eternal nature of Christ.

I had with You
This phrase emphasizes the pre-incarnate existence of Jesus and His shared glory with the Father. The Greek "εἶχον" (eichon) indicates possession, underscoring the eternal relationship and unity within the Godhead. It affirms the doctrine of the Trinity and the co-equality of the Son with the Father, a foundational truth in conservative Christian theology.

before the world existed
The phrase "πρὸ τοῦ τὸν κόσμον εἶναι" (pro tou ton kosmon einai) speaks to the eternal nature of Christ, existing before creation. It highlights His role in the divine plan of salvation, predating the foundation of the world. This pre-existence is a testament to His deity and His active participation in creation, as affirmed in John 1:1-3. It assures believers of the eternal purpose and sovereignty of God in the redemption of humanity.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jesus Christ
The speaker of this verse, Jesus is praying to God the Father. This prayer is part of what is known as the High Priestly Prayer, where Jesus intercedes for Himself, His disciples, and future believers.

2. God the Father
The recipient of Jesus' prayer. The relationship between Jesus and the Father is central to this verse, highlighting the pre-existence and divine nature of Christ.

3. The World
Refers to the created order, emphasizing the pre-existence of Christ before creation.

4. Glory
A key theme in this verse, referring to the divine majesty and honor that Jesus shared with the Father before the incarnation.

5. Pre-existence
The concept that Jesus existed with God the Father before the creation of the world, underscoring His divinity and eternal nature.
Teaching Points
The Divinity of Christ
This verse affirms the divine nature of Jesus, who shared glory with the Father before the world began. Understanding this helps believers recognize the authority and majesty of Christ.

The Pre-existence of Christ
Jesus' existence before creation underscores His eternal nature, encouraging believers to trust in His unchanging character.

The Glory of God
Believers are called to reflect on the glory of God and how it is revealed through Jesus. This should inspire worship and reverence.

Unity with the Father
Jesus' prayer for glorification highlights His unity with the Father, serving as a model for believers to seek unity with God through Christ.

Eternal Perspective
Recognizing Jesus' eternal glory encourages believers to live with an eternal perspective, prioritizing spiritual over temporal matters.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding Jesus' pre-existence and shared glory with the Father impact your view of His authority and divinity?

2. In what ways can you reflect the glory of God in your daily life, following the example of Christ?

3. How does the concept of Jesus' eternal nature influence your trust in Him during challenging times?

4. What practical steps can you take to seek unity with God, as modeled by Jesus' relationship with the Father?

5. How can an eternal perspective, inspired by Jesus' pre-existence and glory, change the way you prioritize your time and resources?
Connections to Other Scriptures
John 1:1-3
This passage speaks of the Word being with God in the beginning, affirming the pre-existence and divinity of Christ, similar to John 17:5.

Philippians 2:5-11
Describes Jesus' humility and exaltation, paralleling the theme of glory and pre-existence found in John 17:5.

Hebrews 1:3
Highlights Jesus as the radiance of God's glory, reinforcing the shared glory between the Father and the Son.

Colossians 1:15-17
Speaks of Christ as the image of the invisible God and the firstborn over all creation, aligning with the pre-existence theme.
The Transcendent Glory of the Divine WordJ.R. Thomson John 17:5
A Petition Urged by a Threefold ArgumentW. Harris.John 17:1-5
Christ's AuthorityR. H. Story.John 17:1-5
Christ's Prayer for HimselfT. Whitelaw, D. D.John 17:1-5
God has no Son Without PrayerC. H. Spurgeon.John 17:1-5
Supreme Things in Man's Spiritual HistoryD. Thomas, D. D.John 17:1-5
The Divine GlorificationJ. Spence, D. D.John 17:1-5
The Final Hour of the Son of GodR. Watson.John 17:1-5
The Mediatorial Glory of ChristT. Alexander, M. A.John 17:1-5
The Momentous HourHomiletic MagazineJohn 17:1-5
The Prayer of ChristB. Wilkinson, F. G. S.John 17:1-5
The Royal PrerogativeT. Alexander, M. A.John 17:1-5
The Supreme HourW. Braden.John 17:1-5
The Supreme HourT. Alexander, M. A.John 17:1-5
Christ's a Great Work on EarthT. Alexander, M. A.John 17:4-5
Christ's Finished WorkM. Rainsford.John 17:4-5
Christ's Retrospect of LifeC. Vince.John 17:4-5
Christ's Reward His Finished WorkW. C. Smith, D. D.John 17:4-5
Life's Work Should be CompletedH. W. Beecher.John 17:4-5
Life's Work Well DoneJ. B. Silcox.John 17:4-5
The Complete WorkJ. Vaughan, M. A.John 17:4-5
The Glorification of GodJohn 17:4-5
The Heavenly GlorificationJ. SpenceJohn 17:4-5
The Messianic PurposeJohn 17:4-5
People
Jesus, Disciples
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Along, Existed, Glorify, Glory, O, Ownself, Presence, Self, Thyself
Dictionary of Bible Themes
John 17:5

     1140   God, the eternal
     1412   foreknowledge
     2012   Christ, authority
     2018   Christ, divinity
     2051   Christ, majesty of
     2078   Christ, sonship of
     2525   Christ, cross of
     4909   beginning
     9121   eternity, nature of

John 17:1-26

     2360   Christ, prayers of
     8603   prayer, relationship with God

John 17:4-5

     1045   God, glory of
     2024   Christ, glory of

Library
October 10 Evening
After this manner . . . pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven.--MATT. 6:9. Jesus lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father.--My Father, and your Father. Ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.--Ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God. Because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

August 10 Morning
I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but thou shouldest keep them from the evil.--JOHN 17:15. Blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world.--Ye are the salt of the earth, . . . the light of the world.--Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is heaven. I also withheld thee from sinning against me. The Lord is faithful,
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

July 20 Morning
They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.--JOHN 17:16. He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief.--In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. Such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners.--That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation. Jesus of Nazareth . . . went about doing good, and
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

February 21 Morning
I am the Lord which sanctify you.--LEV. 20:8. I am the Lord your God, which have separated you from other people. And ye shall be holy unto me: for I the Lord am holy, and have severed you from other people, that ye should be mine. Sanctified by God the Father.--Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.--The very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus . . . that he might
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

November 16 Morning
Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.--JOHN 17:17. Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.--Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom. Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word. With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments. When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul: discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

November 27 Morning
The glory which thou gavest me I have given them.--JOHN 17:22. I saw . . . the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple. Above it stood the seraphims. And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory.--These things said Esaias, when he saw his glory, and spake of him.--Upon the likeness of the throne was the likeness . . . of a man above upon it. As the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

November 13 Evening
Through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.--EPH. 2:18. I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one. Whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

January 1 Morning
This one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind,. . . I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.--PHI. 3:13,14. Father, I will that they . . . whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me.--I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.--He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

May 4 Evening
I have glorified thee on the earth.--JOHN 17:4. My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.--I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work. Wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business? And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them.--This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby. Said I not unto thee, that if thou wouldest believe, thou
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

January 25 Evening
The spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.--ROM. 8:15. Jesus . . . lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, . . . Holy Father, . . . O righteous Father.--He said, Abba, Father.--Because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.--For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints and of the household of God. Doubtless thou
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

February 12 Morning
They shall be mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels.--MAL. 3:17. I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them me; and they have kept thy word. I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine. And all mine are thine, and thine are mine; and I am glorified in them. Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am: that
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

December 31. "I Pray not that Thou Shouldst Take them Out of the World, but that Thou Shouldst Keep them from the Evil" (John xvii. 15).
"I pray not that Thou shouldst take them out of the world, but that Thou shouldst keep them from the evil" (John xvii. 15). He wants us here for some higher purpose than mere existence. That purpose is nothing else than to represent Him to the world, to be the messengers of His Gospel and His will to men, and by our lives to exhibit to them the true life, and teach them how to live it themselves. He is representing us yonder, and our one business is to represent Him here. We are just as truly sent
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

November 5. "I in Them, and Thou in Me" (John xvii. 23).
"I in them, and Thou in Me" (John xvii. 23). If we would be enlarged to the full measure of God's purpose, let us endeavor to realize something of our own capacities for His filling. We little know the size of a human soul and spirit. Never, until He renews, cleanses and enters the heart can we have any adequate conception of the possibilities of the being whom God made in His very image, and whom He now renews after the pattern of the Lord Jesus Himself. We know, however, that God has made the human
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

December 11. "I Pray not for the World, but for Them" (John xvii. 9).
"I pray not for the world, but for them" (John xvii. 9). How often we say we would like to get some strong spirit to pray for us, and feel so helped when we think they are carrying us in their faith. But there is One whose prayers never fail to be fulfilled and who is more willing to give them to us than any human friend. His one business at God's right hand is to make intercession for His people, and we are simply coming in the line of His own appointment and His own definite promise and provision,
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

The Folded Flock
I will that they also, whom Thou hast given Me, be with Me where I am; that they may behold My glory.'--JOHN xvii. 24. This wonderful prayer is (a) for Jesus Himself, (b) for the Apostles, (c) for the whole Church on earth and in heaven. I. The prayer. 'I will' has a strange ring of authority. It is the expression of His love to men, and of His longing for their presence with Him in His glory. Not till they are with Him there, shall He 'see of the travail of His soul and be satisfied.' We
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: St. John Chaps. XV to XXI

Christ's Summary of his Work
'I have declared onto them Thy name, and will declare it: that the love wherewith Thou hast loved Me may be in them, and I in them.'--JOHN xvii. 26. This is the solemn and calm close of Christ's great High-priestly prayer; the very last words that He spoke before Gethsemane and His passion. In it He sums up both the purpose of His life and the petitions of His prayer, and presents the perfect fulfilment of the former as the ground on which He asks the fulfilment of the latter. There is a singular
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: St. John Chaps. XV to XXI

The Intercessor
'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: As Thou hast given Him power over all flesh, that He should give eternal life to as many as Thou hast given Him. And this is life eternal, that they might know Thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom Thou hast sent. I have glorified Thee on the earth: I have finished the work which Thou gavest Me to do. And now, O Father, glorify Thou Me with
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: St. John Chaps. XV to XXI

'The Lord Thee Keeps'
...They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I pray not that Thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that Thou shouldest keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.'--JOHN xvii. 14-16. We have here a petition imbedded in a reiterated statement of the disciples' isolated position when left in a hostile world without Christ's sheltering presence. We cannot fathom the depth of the mystery of the praying Christ, but we may be sure of this,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: St. John Chaps. XV to XXI

The High Priest's Prayer
'Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on Me through their word; That they all may be one; as Thou, Father, art in Me, and I in Thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that Thou hast sent Me. And the glory which Thou givest Me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: I in them, and Thou in Me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that Thou hast sent Me, and hast loved them, as Thou hast loved
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: St. John Chaps. XV to XXI

Sixteenth Day. Holiness and Truth.
Make them holy in the Truth: Thy word is Truth.'--John xvii. 17. 'God chose you unto salvation in sanctification and belief of the Truth.'--2 Thess. ii. 12. The chief means of sanctification that God uses is His word. And yet how much there is of reading and studying, of teaching and preaching the word, that has almost no effect in making men holy. It is not the word that sanctifies; it is God Himself who alone can sanctify. Nor is it simply through the word that God does it, but through
Andrew Murray—Holy in Christ

Seventeenth Day. Holiness and Crucifixion.
For their sakes I sanctify myself, that they themselves also may be sanctified in truth.'--John xvii. 19. 'He said, Lo, I am come to do Thy will. In which will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus once for all. For by one offering He hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.'--Heb. x. 9, 10, 14. It was in His High-priestly prayer, on His way to Gethsemane and Calvary, that Jesus thus spake to the Father: 'I sanctify myself.' He had not long before spoken
Andrew Murray—Holy in Christ

The Plenary Inspiration of Every Part of the Bible, vindicated and Explained. --Nature of Inspiration. --The Text of Scripture.
Thy Word is Truth. I THANKFULLY avail myself of the opportunity which, unexpected and unsolicited, so soon presents itself, to proceed with the subject which was engaging our attention when I last occupied this place. Let me remind you of the nature of the present inquiry, and of the progress which we have already made. Taking Holy Scripture for our subject, and urging, as best we knew how, its paramount claims on the daily attention of the younger men,--who at present are our hope and ornament;
John William Burgon—Inspiration and Interpretation

August the Twenty-Fourth the Lord's Body
"I have finished the work which Thou gavest Me to do." --JOHN xvii. 1-11. This quiet confession is in itself a token of our Lord's divinity. The serenity in which He makes His claims is as stupendous as the claims themselves. "Finished," perfected in the utmost refinement, to the last, remotest detail! Nothing scamped, nothing overlooked, nothing forgotten! Everything which concerns thy redemption and my redemption has been accomplished. "It is finished!" "And now ... I come to Thee." The visible
John Henry Jowett—My Daily Meditation for the Circling Year

The Cure of Evil-Speaking
"If thy brother shall sin against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: If he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. But if he will not hear, take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. And if he will not hear them, tell it to the Church. But if he does not hear the church, let him be to thee as an heathen man and a publican." Matt. 18:15-17 1. "Speak evil of no man," says the great Apostle: -- As plain a
John Wesley—Sermons on Several Occasions

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