V1
Jesus begins His prayer. Even a godly man could not say these words, only
the Son of God. The only right thing is that Father and Son are glorified
together, and only the eternal Son of God could pray, Father … glorify your
Son.” It particular this would happen as He died and was raised again, for the
time had come.
V2-3
There is unity in Father and Son in giving eternal life. That eternal
life begins in this life, and is found in knowing the Father and the Son. Having
trusted Christ, we have already passed from death into life (John 5.24).
V4
The Son’s total and perfect obedience to the Father; we too may glorify
Him by our obedience.
V5
The Son’s eternal glory from before the world began. He would return to
Heaven, and return to the glory of the Father’s presence.
V6-8
Referring to the eleven disciples; the power of Christ’s truth is
revealed in their lives;
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they have obeyed your word;
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they know that everything you have given me
comes from you;
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they accepted the words you gave me;
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they know with certainty that I came from you;
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they believed that you sent me.
The disciples had
faith; they believed who Jesus Christ was and is, and they obeyed what He said.
Similarly, we are called to trust Him, and to follow Him.
V9
“I pray for them;” for those who believed in Christ were a distinct
group of people, known to Him. The Lord knows those that are His.
V10-11
The disciples belong to both Father and Son;
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this actually puts a responsibility upon the
Father and the Son to protect them, since they remain in the world;
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this is the context of the prayer, “that they
may be one;”
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the disciples have the privilege of bringing
glory to the Father and to the Son.
V12
Whilst Christ was in the world, He kept them. The continuing prayer is
that they will still be kept; this is also the work of the Holy Spirit.
The testimony of
Christ about His disciples is significant; there were real disciples, kept by
God, and displaying the unity of God.
The presence of Judas
Iscariot among the Twelve was fulfilling prophecy. The Lord Jesus knew all along
that Judas would betray Him.
V13
These words are recorded for us. The Lord could have waited until He was
with the Father, but His concern for the disciples was such that His words were
recorded for our blessing.
V14
Since we belong to Christ, having accepted His word, we will meet the
opposition of the world; we suffer the rejection that he bore (15.21). Our
Heavenly citizenship means that we are rejected by the world. But we still need
His protection whilst in the world (1 Cor 5.10).
V15
Christ’s prayer for His disciples, that they would be protected.
V16
The reason for His prayer, since the disciples no longer belonged to the
world.
V17
Whilst in the world, we need God to sanctify us by His word; to set us
apart, to keep us apart, and to protect our minds from bad influences.
V18
We are sent by God, even as Christ was sent into the world. This is the
means by which the world will hear of God.
V19
We share in His sanctification.
V20-24
Jesus looked beyond those around Him, to multitudes who would believe in
Him.
V20
The assurance that others would be converted to Christ; they too would
believe, for that remains the way of salvation.
V21
Unity amongst believers. There is no intention here to bring unity
between followers of Christ and those of other beliefs. It is through succeeding
generations of believers that “the world may believe.”
V22
We bear the very glory of Christ; the call to be a disciple of Jesus
Christ is a very high and holy call.
V23
The testimony of united believers; that the world knows that Jesus Christ
is truly the Messiah, and that we are loved by Him. See Eph 3.9.
V24
To behold His glory; the wonderful promise for each Christian. Jesus’
prayer deals much with how we are to live in this world, but here at the end is
a longer term view, that we shall see and share His glory in eternity.
V25-26 Just as Jesus Christ was a foreigner in the world, so those who believed in Him would also be foreigners. His work in their lives would continue by His Spirit.