John 17 - ESV Gospel Transformation Study Bible

17:1–5 Jesus’ appointed “hour” has finally arrived. Very soon he will travail in prayer over his impending cross; but now, he intercedes with joy over his beloved disciples. No earthly feasts can even faintly compare with the nourishment we are given in Jesus’ “high priestly prayer.”

Unlike Israel’s high priest, Jesus didn’t have to offer a sacrifice for his own sins as he came into the Father’s presence. The final Day of Atonement involved this eschatological High Priest becoming the sacrifice for the sins of the people (Heb. 7:27). There is no greater love than this (John 15:13; Rom. 5:6–10).

The joy set before Jesus, as he prepared to endure the cross (Heb. 12:2), included at least two things. Jesus longed to return to the Father, to enjoy the life he shared with him before the world was created. But Jesus also felt great joy in anticipation of redeeming and cherishing his international bride. He now delights in us and rejoices over us, as a bridegroom over his bride (Isa. 62:5; Zeph. 3:17).

17:6–19 Having given himself for our sins once for all (Heb. 7:27; 1 Pet. 3:18), Jesus now prays for us without ceasing (Rom. 8:34; Heb. 7:25). Because the disciples were given permission to eavesdrop on this prayer, we know what Jesus thinks of us and what he is now praying for us.

Jesus counts us a love gift to him from the Father (John 17:6; see also v. 24). He treasures and cherishes us as a bridegroom treasures his bride, for that is what we are (Eph. 5:22–33). Should anyone ask, “Who gives these sinners to this Savior?” the Father responds enthusiastically, “I do!” Election is the most wonderful prearranged marriage imaginable.

Because we are already beloved by Jesus, he prays for the increase of our joy—the same joy that fills his own heart. He also prays for our protection in the world—a battlefield that is also our mission field. Jesus doesn’t pray that we won’t suffer (Phil. 1:29) but that we will be kept from the Evil One, our defeated foe who seeks to sabotage our worship and work in the world.

Jesus also prays for our sanctification by the truth of the Father’s words. The Father’s words will always point us to Jesus—who is our “wisdom from God,” our “righteousness and sanctification and redemption” (1 Cor. 1:30). The same grace that justifies us is the grace that sanctifies us. All saving benefits come from our union with Christ.

17:20–26 Jesus expands his prayer to include those who will—not might, but will—believe in him. The “Great Commission” isn’t our job to get done, but God’s promise to fulfill. We are privileged to live as characters in God’s story of redemption and also as proclaimers of that story; but we must never forget, it is God’s story.

Jesus prays for the unity, not the uniformity, of his believers. God is praised, and the world takes notice, when Christians demonstrate a Spirit-given unity—a unity we must be eager to maintain (Eph. 4:1–3). Our fallen instincts encourage us to build our identity on what distinguishes us even from other believers, but Jesus exposes the self-centeredness of such a mind-set. Our union with Christ brings a unity in Christ that transcends all secondary disagreements.