“That they all may be one ; as Thou, Father art in Me and I in Thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that Thou hast sent Me.” John 17:21
In what has been called, “The High Priestly Prayer” of the Lord Jesus, prayed soon before His crucifixion, we find some of the most extraordinary declarations by God in Scripture. The first thing that confronts is the matter of the glory of God. Not only do we read that Christ petitions the Father that His glory might be revealed in a very specific manner at this crucial time, and specifically in His life, but that those disciples who “belong to Him,” whom the Father had given Him, may glorify Him. In other words, the Lord Jesus is praying for the direct intervention of the Father of glory, to reveal His nature, ways, person and power, in Him, and also in the disciples. This glory not only is sought for its power, protection, provision, and keeping, but for the communication of the joy of Christ, and the love of God. The intervention of the Father at this critical moment (Christ refers to it as “the hour is come…”), is essential, and eclipses all lesser things. The salvation of the world hangs in the balance, and is utterly dependent upon the Father’s sustaining and keeping, overcoming power given to the Son to face the coming cross. Thus Christ’s selfless prayer deals first and foremost with the revelation of the glory of God, but also, of the blessing upon, and in all those who belong to Christ, and will do so. It is to them that glory shall be given also. The glory of God would be revealed to the world in the suffering, death, and resurrection of Christ. This victoriouis life of the Lord Jesus, and that which would be IN the disciples, would be revealed to the world. Men would come to know Christ as the Savior of the world. They would also see in the disciples, filled with the Eternal Spirit, this life of Christ. They would be sent into the world, showing forth the glory of God. It is by the revelation of the life of Christ in them that many in the world will believe, or reject Him.
The importance of the prayer is seen in Christ’s relationship with the Father, and His glory, “before the world was.” (17:5) The Lord Jesus will also speak of the Father loving Him, “…before the foundation of the world.” (v.24) So, we see immediately that associated with this matter of the glory of God is the eternal design of God, fulfilled in Christ, whereby sinful man can be saved, know eternal life, and glorify God forever. So, how important is the prayer, and what are the salient, or main features, of the prayer that we need to grasp?
First, we need to be confronted by the issue of time, and the imminent need. The Lord began the prayer by saying: “Father, the hour has come.” Later in the prayer, He speaks of “now” glorify Thy name, “now” I am no more in the world,” and “now” I come to Thee. The subject of this prayer is of utmost importance, for the time has come for its fulfillment.
Secondly, Christ deals with the essential issue of Life eternal, “…to know Thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom Thou hast sent.” (v.3) For men to believe, and know this eternal life, receive it, live by it, they must SEE the reality of it. By Christ’s words from the Father, truth is revealed to the heart. By the revelation, or manifestation, of His life in the heart and life of the believer, the unbeliever is brought face to face with Him. The key revealed in the prayer for the manifestation of Christ’s life, and glory, to the world, is found in the words, “…that they may be one; AS THOU FATHER ART IN ME, AND I IN THEE, THAT THEY ALSO MAY BE ONE IN US.” (V.21)
Dear Father, Make us one with Thee. In Jesus’ name, Amen.