What is the context?
After speaking to the disciples about His departure, the Spirit, trouble and peace, Jesus lifts His eyes to heaven and prays. He begins with the hour that has arrived. His request for the Son’s glory has a stated purpose: that the Son may glorify the Father.
The authority given to Him is directed toward giving eternal life to those the Father has given Him. He describes that life in terms of knowing the Father and Jesus Christ, whom the Father sent. Eternal life is more than a length of time; it is life in relationship with God through the Son.
Jesus speaks of the work the Father gave Him as accomplished while the cross is immediately ahead. The prayer stands at the completion of that mission, not at an escape from it. He asks to be glorified in the Father’s presence with the glory He had before the world existed.
How is this passage commonly understood?
Christians commonly understand the prayer as joining the Father’s glory, the Son’s saving mission and the gift of eternal life. Calvin on verses 3–5 and Wesley on verses 3–5 understand knowing God as a life of faith, and the glory before creation as belonging to the eternal Son. Neither reads the reference to the only true God as excluding the Son from divine life.
They explain those given to Jesus differently. Calvin’s note on verse 2 refers to God’s chosen people, whose faith follows His gracious choice. Wesley’s note identifies them as believers and emphasizes Christ’s saving provision for all. These are distinct explanations of the gift, while both direct the reader to life received through Christ.
Where does this fit in God's plan?
The movement through suffering into glory is developed in Hebrews 2:9–11. Jesus suffers death and is crowned with glory and honor as He brings many children to glory. His request belongs to that saving work.
The Son who makes the Father known is also the One through whom God made the universe. Hebrews 1:1–3 joins His revelation of God with creation, the cleansing of sins and His place at God’s right hand. The prayer gathers His mission into the glory He shares with the Father.
What is our position?
We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.