John 17:5 – “And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began.”

Extended Explanation

In this verse, Jesus prays to the Father, asking to be restored to the glory He had before the world existed. This statement reveals an incredible truth—Jesus existed in glory with the Father before creation.

When Jesus says, “glorify me in your presence,” He is referring to His return to heaven after completing His earthly mission. He temporarily set aside His heavenly glory to become a man (Philippians 2:6-8), but now, as He approaches the cross, He looks forward to returning to His rightful place at the Father’s side.

The phrase “the glory I had with you before the world began” makes it clear that Jesus is not a created being—He has always existed with the Father. This verse points directly to His divine nature. He is not just a prophet, teacher, or good man; He is the eternal Son of God.

This prayer also reveals Jesus’ confidence in the Father’s plan. Even though He is about to face suffering, He knows that beyond the cross lies the glory of His resurrection and ascension.

Historical Context

Jesus spoke these words just before His arrest and crucifixion. His earthly ministry was coming to an end, and He was preparing His disciples for what was to come.

For the Jewish people of that time, the idea of a man claiming to have existed before creation—and sharing in God’s glory—would have been shocking. The Old Testament teaches that God alone is to be glorified (Isaiah 42:8), yet Jesus speaks of sharing in this glory. This was a direct statement of His divine identity.

The disciples may not have fully understood this at the time, but later, after Jesus’ resurrection and ascension, they recognized that He had returned to the Father’s glory, just as He had prayed.

Theological Implications

This verse carries deep theological significance:

1. Jesus’ Eternal Nature – Jesus did not begin to exist when He was born in Bethlehem; He has always been with the Father (John 1:1-2).
2. The Trinity – Jesus speaks of sharing glory with the Father, showing their unity as two persons of the Godhead.
3. The Humility and Exaltation of Christ – Jesus willingly left His glory to take on human flesh, but after completing His mission, He was restored to His rightful place (Philippians 2:9-11).
4. The Certainty of God’s Plan – Even before His crucifixion, Jesus speaks with confidence about returning to glory, showing that God’s plan of salvation was never in doubt.

Literary Analysis

John 17:5 is part of Jesus’ High Priestly Prayer, where He speaks intimately with the Father. The structure of this verse mirrors themes found throughout John’s Gospel, particularly the relationship between Jesus and the Father.

The word “glory” (doxa in Greek) is a key theme in John’s Gospel. It refers to the splendor and majesty of God. Jesus often spoke about glory, but not in the way the world understands it. For Jesus, glory was connected to obedience, suffering, and ultimately, His return to the Father.

The phrase “before the world began” emphasizes Jesus’ eternal existence, connecting this passage to John 1:1-3, which states that Jesus was with God in the beginning and was involved in creation.

Relevant Biblical Cross-References

• John 1:1-2 – Jesus was with God in the beginning and was God.
• Philippians 2:6-9 – Jesus humbled Himself but was later exalted by the Father.
• Colossians 1:16-17 – Jesus existed before all things and holds everything together.
• Hebrews 1:3 – Jesus is the radiance of God’s glory and is now seated at the right hand of the Father.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

For believers today, this verse reminds us that Jesus is not just a historical figure—He is the eternal Son of God, reigning in glory.

It also reassures us that God’s plan is always fulfilled. Jesus willingly stepped down from glory to accomplish salvation, and because of His obedience, He was restored to His rightful place. In the same way, when we follow God’s will, even through trials, we can trust that He will glorify and reward His faithful servants (Romans 8:18).

Additionally, this verse encourages us to have an eternal perspective. Jesus was not focused only on the suffering ahead but on the glory that would follow. As Christians, we are called to live with our eyes on eternity, knowing that any trials we face now are temporary compared to the eternal glory that awaits (2 Corinthians 4:17).

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

This verse reveals the depth of God’s love. The fact that Jesus left His place of glory to come to earth shows how much God cares for humanity. He was willing to set aside His heavenly privileges to make a way for us to be saved.

God’s love is also seen in His faithfulness. Jesus confidently asks to be restored to His glory because He knows the Father always keeps His promises. In the same way, we can trust that God will fulfill His promises to us.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

This verse is all about Jesus’ identity and mission:

• His Preexistence – He existed before creation, proving He is not just a man but God.
• His Humility – He willingly left His glory to become one of us (John 1:14).
• His Obedience – He completed the work the Father gave Him (John 17:4).
• His Victory – After completing His mission, He returned to His place of glory (Acts 1:9-11).

This verse also foreshadows what will happen when Jesus returns. Revelation 5:12 describes Jesus receiving glory, honor, and praise from all creation, fulfilling what He prayed for in John 17:5.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. What does this verse teach us about Jesus’ identity?
2. How does knowing that Jesus existed before creation change the way we think about Him?
3. What does Jesus’ willingness to leave His glory tell us about His love for humanity?
4. How can we apply Jesus’ example of focusing on eternal glory rather than temporary struggles?
5. How does this verse strengthen our faith in God’s plan and promises?

John 17:5 is a powerful reminder of who Jesus is—eternal, glorious, and faithful to complete His mission. As we reflect on His words, may we be encouraged to trust in His sovereignty, live for His glory, and look forward to the day when we, too, will share in His eternal kingdom.