Gospel of John 17 Oultine and Meaning
Quick Summary
John 17 records Jesus’ high priestly prayer, where he prays for himself, his disciples, and future believers. It reveals his deep communion with the Father, his mission of glorifying God, and his desire for his followers to be united in love and truth.
Introduction
Growing up, I would occasionally pull out the large family Bible that was full of colorful pictures. I would see Noah’s flood, Moses’ tablets, and an arresting picture of Jesus praying. It was inspired by this passage, which I think is one of the most poignant in all of Scripture.
Not only has John 17 been called the “holy of holies” of Scripture, but it closes the Farewell Discourse. After speaking words of comfort and promise, Jesus lifts his eyes to heaven and prays. He prays for himself that the Father would glorify him in the cross. He prays for his disciples, that they would be protected, sanctified, and united. And he prays for all who will believe through their message—that the world may know the love of God through their unity.
This chapter is profound not only for its content but also for what it reveals: the heart of Jesus. We are allowed to overhear the Son speaking to the Father on the eve of his passion. John 17 shows us that Jesus’ mission is not only to die and rise, but to draw his people into the shared love and glory of Father, Son, and Spirit.
Outline of John 17
John 17:1–5 | Jesus Prays for Himself
John 17:6–19 | Jesus Prays for the Disciples
John 17:20–26 | Jesus Prays for All Believers
Summary of Each Section
John 17:1–5 | Jesus Prays for Himself
Jesus begins by asking the Father to glorify the Son so that the Son may glorify the Father. Eternal life, he says, is to know the only true God and Jesus Christ whom he has sent. He speaks of having completed the work given him and asks to be restored to the glory he shared with the Father before the world began.
This opening reveals the divine perspective on the cross. What looks like shame and defeat will be the hour of glory. Here we see the eternal nature of Christ and the unity of purpose between Father and Son.
John 17:6–19 | Jesus Prays for the Disciples
Jesus turns to his disciples, acknowledging that they have received his word and believed he was sent from the Father. He prays not that they would be taken out of the world, but that they would be protected from the evil one. He asks the Father to sanctify them in the truth, for his word is truth. Just as the Father sent him, so he sends them into the world.
This section highlights mission and holiness. The disciples are not removed from the world but sent into it, carrying Jesus’ word. They need both protection and sanctification to fulfill their calling.
John 17:20–26 | Jesus Prays for All Believers
Finally, Jesus prays for those who will believe through the disciples’ testimony—that they all may be one, just as the Father and Son are one. This unity, grounded in divine love, will be a witness to the world that the Father sent the Son. Jesus desires that believers may be with him, beholding his glory, and experiencing the love the Father has for him.
This prayer stretches across the centuries to include us. At its heart is unity, love, and participation in the glory of God. The mission of the church flows out of this oneness.
Themes in John 17
Glory revealed in the cross and resurrection.
Eternal life as knowing God and Jesus Christ.
The sanctification and mission of disciples.
Unity of believers as a witness to the world.
The love of the Father and Son shared with believers.
John 17: Meaning for Today
John 17 reminds us that Jesus is still praying for us. His intercession did not end in the upper room—he continues to intercede for his people. This gives us confidence in our mission and assurance in our faith.
It also challenges us to pursue unity. The oneness Jesus desires is not superficial agreement but deep love rooted in God’s truth. In a fractured world and a divided church, John 17 calls us back to the prayer of Jesus: “that they may all be one.”
Finally, John 17 draws us into the love of God. To be a Christian is not merely to believe doctrines but to share in the eternal communion of Father, Son, and Spirit. The glory and love of God are not only future promises but present realities for those who abide in Christ.
FAQ Section
Why is John 17 called the high priestly prayer?
Because Jesus intercedes for himself, his disciples, and future believers, much like a priest interceding for the people before God.
What does it mean that eternal life is knowing God?
Eternal life is not only about duration but relationship—living in fellowship with the Father and the Son, both now and forever.
Why does Jesus pray for unity among believers?
Unity reflects the relationship between Father and Son and serves as a powerful witness to the world of God’s love and truth.
How does this prayer apply to us today?
We are included in Jesus’ prayer in verses 20–26. His desire for our unity, holiness, and participation in divine love is as real now as it was in the upper room.
Sources Consulted
Raymond Brown, John (AYB), pp. 671–709
D.A. Carson, John (PNTC), pp. 557–584
Gail O’Day, John (NIB), pp. 880–904
Craig Keener, John, vol. 2, pp. 1291–1345
Andreas Köstenberger, John (BECNT), pp. 541–572
