Understanding John 17:5

John 17:5 reads: "And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was." This profound verse is part of Jesus' high priestly prayer, offering deep insight into His divine nature and relationship with the Father. In this summary, we will explore its meaning through the lens of public domain commentaries, providing a comprehensive analysis.

Context of the Verse

This verse occurs during a critical moment in the Gospel of John, where Jesus prepares for His impending crucifixion, expressing His desire for divine glory. Understanding this context helps to illuminate the significance of Jesus’ words.

Commentary Insights

• Matthew Henry:

  Henry emphasizes that this prayer reflects Christ's humanity and divinity. His request for glory signifies His imminent return to the exalted position He held before His incarnation. The prayer illustrates the unity between the Father and the Son, showing Christ's pre-existence and divine authority.

• Albert Barnes:

  Barnes elaborates on the "glory" mentioned in this verse, stating it pertains not just to honor but also to the full manifestation of God's divine presence. He notes that Jesus seeks the restoration of His glory that had been veiled during His earthly ministry, marking a return to His rightful place in the heavenly realm.

• Adam Clarke:

  Clarke provides a theological analysis, highlighting that Jesus' request to be glorified with the glory He had before creation indicates His divine nature. He asserts that the glory of Christ encompasses His exaltation at the right hand of the Father, reaffirming Christ’s sovereignty over all creation as the eternal Word.

Key Themes and Concepts

The verse encapsulates several essential theological concepts:

• Divine Identity: Jesus asserts His pre-existence and divine nature, affirming His equality with the Father.
• Glorification: The theme of glorification is central, highlighting both Jesus’ present humiliation and future exaltation.
• Intercessory Role: This prayer underscores Jesus' role as intercessor, petitioning the Father for the restoration of His majesty.
• Pre-Existence: It affirms the belief that Jesus existed with God before creation, emphasizing the continuity of His divine purpose.

Cross-References

This verse correlates with multiple scriptures that explore similar themes or contexts:

• John 1:1-2: "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." This parallels Jesus’ assertion of pre-existence.
• Philippians 2:6-11: Paul's description of Christ's humility contrasts with His exaltation, echoing the glory referenced in John 17:5.
• Colossians 1:17: "And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together," reinforcing the theme of Christ's pre-eminent status.
• Revelation 5:12: This scene in heaven captures the glory and honor that Jesus receives, aligning with His request for glorification.
• Isaiah 42:8: "I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another," reflecting on the unique divine glory Christ shares with the Father.
• Hebrews 1:3: "Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person," emphasizes the unity and shared glory of the Father and the Son.
• John 8:58: Jesus declares, “Before Abraham was, I am,” affirming His eternal existence and divine nature.
• John 14:13: “And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son,” highlighting the interconnectedness of glorification within the Trinity.
• John 16:28: "I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world: again, I leave the world, and go to the Father," showing the cyclical nature of Jesus' mission and relationship with the Father.
• Romans 8:30: "Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified," which speaks to the themes of glory and divine purpose in salvation history.

Thematic Connections

The themes in John 17:5 are rich in inter-Biblical dialogue, showing a profound connection with both the Old and New Testaments. These thematic Bible verse connections help believers understand the overarching narrative of scripture:

• God's Glory: Explored throughout both the Old and New Testaments, emphasizing how God's glory is manifest in creation and salvation.
• The Nature of Christ: Foundational to Christian theology, linking Jesus’ divine attributes to Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah.
• Intercession: As seen in the role of high priests in the Old Testament, reflecting Christ’s ultimate intercessory position.

Conclusion

In summary, John 17:5 serves not just as a solitary verse but a connective thread within the tapestry of scripture, inviting deeper exploration into the nature of Christ and His relationship with the Father. The insights drawn from the commentaries, coupled with scriptural cross-references, provide a robust framework for understanding this pivotal passage.