John 17:1-5 NIV
17 After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed:
“Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you. 2 For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him. 3 Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. 4 I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do. 5 And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began.
The High Priestly Prayer: Jesus Prays for Himself
The hour has come (v. 1a): Jesus’ life and earthly ministry culminates at the cross (cf. John 2:4; 7:8, 30; 8:20; 12:23; 13:1). The exact timing and circumstances of Christ’s “hour” had been established by God in eternity past (cf. Galatians 4:4; Ephesians 1:9-10).
Glorify your Son (vv. 1b, 4-5): The Father and the Son share glory, which proves the divinity of the Son (cf. Isaiah 42:8). The Son brings glory to the Father and vice versa (cf. John 3:36; 1 John 2:26).
Authority over all people (v. 2a): The Son would be rewarded for His obedience by being made heir of the universe. In so doing, Jesus re-obtained dominion on behalf of mankind (cf. Daniel 7:13-14; Matthew 28:18-20; 2 Corinthians 8:9; Hebrews 2:5-13; Revelation 5).
This is eternal life (vv. 2b-3): In addition to working miracles and teaching about the Kingdom of Heaven, Jesus gave eternal life to those believed in Him by bringing them into fellowship with God. Jesus’ work continues to this day!
This is eternal life: Enter into a relationship with God through faith in His Son, Jesus Christ! Eternal life begins here and now and never ends! Do you have eternal life?