John 17:1 – “After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed: ‘Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you.’”
Extended Explanation
John 17:1 is the opening of what is often called Jesus’ High Priestly Prayer. This prayer takes place just before Jesus is arrested and led to His crucifixion. It is the longest recorded prayer of Jesus in the Bible and reveals His deep relationship with God the Father.
Here, Jesus acknowledges that “the hour has come.” Throughout the Gospel of John, Jesus had repeatedly said that His hour had not yet come (John 2:4; John 7:30; John 8:20). But now, as He prepares to go to the cross, the time has arrived for Him to fulfill the purpose for which He came—to offer Himself as the perfect sacrifice for sin.
His request, “Glorify your Son,” is not about seeking personal honor or fame. Instead, Jesus is asking the Father to accomplish His will through Him, even though it means suffering and death. Jesus’ glorification comes through the cross, the resurrection, and His return to the Father. In doing so, He also brings glory to the Father by completing the mission of salvation.
Historical Context
This prayer occurs at the end of the Last Supper, right before Jesus and His disciples go to the Garden of Gethsemane. The disciples were about to witness their Lord arrested, tried, and crucified. Tension was in the air, as Jesus had already told them He would be leaving them soon (John 16:28).
The phrase “the hour has come” refers to God’s sovereign timing. Jesus’ mission had been building up to this moment, and now, within hours, He would be betrayed, abandoned, and killed. Yet, Jesus does not pray for escape but for the Father to be glorified through His obedience.
The concept of glory was significant in Jewish thought. God’s glory was revealed in the Old Testament through His presence, His mighty works, and His holiness (Exodus 33:18-23). Now, Jesus speaks of glory in the context of His suffering and victory over sin and death.
Theological Implications
This verse highlights several core truths of the Christian faith:
- God’s Sovereignty – Jesus acknowledges that everything is unfolding according to God’s perfect plan. Nothing happens by chance; even suffering serves God’s greater purpose.
- The Glory of the Cross – The world sees the cross as shameful, but Jesus sees it as part of God’s glory. Through His death, He defeats sin, Satan, and death itself.
- The Unity of the Father and the Son – Jesus speaks as one who is fully God and fully man. His prayer reflects His intimate relationship with the Father, demonstrating the Trinity in action.
Literary Analysis
John 17 is structured as a deeply personal and profound prayer. The language is intimate, showing Jesus speaking directly to the Father with confidence and trust. The phrase “glorify your Son” is a key theme in John’s Gospel, emphasizing that Jesus’ suffering and exaltation are tied together.
In John’s writing style, light and darkness, life and death, and glory and suffering are often contrasted. This verse is no exception—what seems to be a tragic moment (Jesus’ arrest and death) is actually the path to ultimate victory.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- John 12:23-24 – Jesus speaks of His hour coming and compares His death to a seed that must die to bring life.
- Philippians 2:8-11 – Jesus’ humility in death leads to His exaltation and glory.
- Hebrews 5:7-9 – Jesus learned obedience through suffering and became the source of eternal salvation.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For believers today, this verse is a reminder that God is always in control. Even in suffering, we can trust that God is working out His purposes. Jesus faced His most difficult hour with confidence in the Father’s plan, and we, too, can have peace knowing that God is glorified when we remain faithful in trials.
It also challenges us to live for God’s glory rather than our own. Jesus’ life was completely devoted to glorifying the Father. As His followers, we are called to do the same—whether in our work, relationships, or hardships.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
Jesus’ prayer reflects the heart of a loving God who desires to bring salvation to the world. The Father’s glorification of the Son is not about power but about redemption. God’s love is shown in His willingness to send Jesus to the cross so that we might be saved (John 3:16).
The cross, which seems like the ultimate defeat, is actually the ultimate act of love. Jesus’ suffering was the means through which sinners could be reconciled to God. His prayer reminds us that God’s love is not just sentimental—it is sacrificial.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus is central to this verse, as He is the one being glorified through His obedience to the Father. His glorification involves:
- His Death – The cross is the moment where God’s love and justice meet (Romans 5:8).
- His Resurrection – The resurrection proves Jesus’ victory over sin and death (1 Corinthians 15:3-4).
- His Exaltation – Jesus is now seated at the right hand of the Father, glorified forever (Hebrews 1:3).
Jesus’ mission was never about personal gain but about accomplishing the Father’s will so that people might know and glorify God.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- What does it mean for Jesus to be glorified through the cross?
- How does this verse shape our understanding of suffering in God’s plan?
- In what ways can we glorify God in our daily lives?
- How does this prayer reveal Jesus’ relationship with the Father?
- What does this verse teach us about trusting God’s timing?
John 17:1 is a powerful verse that shows Jesus’ commitment to fulfilling God’s plan, even at great personal cost. It reminds us that true glory is found in obedience to God, and as followers of Christ, we are called to live in a way that reflects His glory to the world.