John 17:3 – “Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.”
Extended Explanation
John 17:3 is one of the most profound statements Jesus makes about eternal life. In this verse, Jesus defines eternal life—not just as living forever, but as knowing God and Jesus Christ. This is a relational, not just a future, reality.
When Jesus says, “that they know you,” He is not talking about just knowing facts about God. He is talking about a deep, personal relationship. Knowing God is the essence of eternal life—it’s not simply about going to heaven but about being in fellowship with the one true God.
Jesus also makes it clear that there is only one true God. In a world filled with false gods and idols, He emphasizes that eternal life is found in knowing the only real, living God. Furthermore, He connects Himself to this eternal life by saying that it also involves knowing Him, “Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.” This is a bold statement of His divine role in salvation.
By saying that the Father sent Him, Jesus is reinforcing that He came with a purpose—to make God known and provide the way for people to enter into this eternal relationship.
Historical Context
Jesus prayed this prayer just before His arrest. He was about to complete His earthly mission, which was to reveal the Father and provide the way for people to have a restored relationship with God.
In the Jewish world at that time, people believed in the one true God, but many saw eternal life primarily as something in the distant future. Jesus redefines it as something that begins now through knowing God personally. This was a major shift from the religious system of rules and rituals that many followed.
Additionally, in Greek and Roman culture, people worshiped many gods. Jesus’ statement that there is only one true God challenged both Jewish and pagan ideas. By connecting Himself directly to eternal life, He was also making it clear that no one could come to God apart from Him.
Theological Implications
This verse highlights several key truths about God and salvation:
- Eternal Life Is More Than Just Living Forever – It is about knowing and being in relationship with God.
- God Is the Only True God – All other gods are false; salvation comes only through Him.
- Jesus Christ Is the Way to Know God – There is no eternal life apart from Him (John 14:6).
- Eternal Life Begins Now – It is not just about heaven but about a present, personal connection with God.
Literary Analysis
John 17:3 is part of Jesus’ High Priestly Prayer, where He speaks intimately with the Father. This verse stands out because it gives a direct definition of eternal life, something rarely seen in Scripture.
The phrase “that they know you” uses the Greek word ginosko, which means more than intellectual knowledge. It implies deep, personal, experiential knowledge—like the way a child knows a loving parent.
Jesus also refers to Himself as “Jesus Christ,” a rare moment where He uses both His name and title together. “Jesus” means “Savior,” and “Christ” means “Anointed One” or “Messiah,” reinforcing His role in God’s plan.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Jeremiah 9:23-24 – True wisdom is found in knowing God.
- John 14:6 – Jesus is the only way to the Father.
- 1 John 5:11-12 – Eternal life is found in the Son of God.
- Hosea 6:6 – God desires relationship more than rituals.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
This verse reminds us that Christianity is not just about rules, church attendance, or good works—it is about knowing God personally. A Christian life without a real relationship with God is empty.
Many people today think of eternal life as something that happens after death. But Jesus teaches that eternal life begins now, in the present, through a growing relationship with Him. When we walk closely with God, we begin to experience the fullness of life He intends for us.
It also challenges us to examine what we are truly living for. Are we pursuing a deeper knowledge of God, or are we just going through religious motions?
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse reveals God’s heart—He desires a real relationship with people. Eternal life is not just about avoiding hell; it’s about knowing and enjoying God forever.
A distant, impersonal God would not offer eternal life in the form of a relationship. But the true God—the God of the Bible—is deeply personal. He sent His Son so that we could truly know Him, not just serve Him from a distance.
This verse also shows that God’s love is exclusive. He is the only true God, and eternal life is only found in Him. While the world offers many “paths” to spirituality, Jesus makes it clear that only knowing the true God brings real life.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus is at the center of eternal life. Without Him, we cannot truly know God. This verse connects to several key truths about Jesus:
- He Was Sent by the Father – Jesus didn’t come by accident; He was sent with a mission (John 3:16).
- He Reveals God to Us – If we want to know what God is like, we look to Jesus (John 14:9).
- He Gives Eternal Life – This is not something we can earn; it is a gift from Jesus (John 10:28).
- He Is the Only Way to God – There is no other way to the Father except through Him (Acts 4:12).
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- What does it mean to truly “know” God?
- How does this verse challenge the way we think about eternal life?
- In what ways can we grow in our knowledge of God and Jesus Christ?
- How does knowing God personally change the way we live?
- Why do you think Jesus emphasized that there is only one true God?
John 17:3 is a powerful statement that cuts through religious traditions and rituals, showing us that true life is found in a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ. As we reflect on this verse, may we seek to know God more deeply and walk in the eternal life He freely offers