Chapter 17
John 17:1–5
Theme: Jesus reveals His purpose and prays for glory that reflects the Father's.
Jesus Finished the Father’s Work 1 After saying these things, Jesus looked up to heaven and said, “Father, the time has come. Reveal the glory of Your Son, so that through Me, You will be glorified. 2 You have granted Me authority over all people so that I may give eternal life
to everyone You have entrusted to Me. 3 Eternal life is this: to know You—the only true God—
and to know Jesus Christ, the One You have sent. 4 I have glorified You on earth
by completing the mission You gave Me. 5 Now, Father, bring Me back into the glory We shared together before the world began.”
IN THIS LESSON
What’s Really Going On?
In one of the most sacred moments recorded in the Gospels, Jesus lifts His eyes toward heaven—not toward the crowd or His disciples—and speaks directly to His Father.
He knows what’s coming: betrayal, torture, crucifixion. Yet, His first prayer is not for safety, but for glory—not personal fame, but glory that reflects the beauty and purpose of the Father.
This prayer marks a spiritual milestone: Jesus publicly declares that His earthly mission is complete. He has made the Father known. He has lived without sin. He has equipped His disciples. And now, He’s ready to return to the glory they shared before creation began.
At the heart of this moment is relationship—not ritual, but the eternal bond between Father and Son, now extended to us through eternal life, defined as knowing God and knowing Jesus.
Jesus asks for glory, but only so that He can glorify the Father in return (v.1).
He boldly states, “I have glorified You on earth; I have finished the work You gave Me to do” (v.4).
What Was Said or Done?
He acknowledges the authority He’s been given—authority to give eternal life (v.2).
Then He asks to be restored to the pre-creation glory He shared with the Father (v.5).
Jesus defines eternal life, not as duration, but as intimate, experiential knowledge of God (v.3).
Let’s Talk About It
Let’s Talk About It
Decisions They Faced
Jesus had a choice: finish the work or walk away from the suffering ahead.
He chose obedience, knowing it would lead to pain, death, and separation—but also to victory and restoration.
He surrendered fully to the Father's will, even before the trial began.
This prayer is a posture of confidence in purpose, not passivity in suffering.
You face decisions too:
Will you finish the assignment God has given you in this season?
Will you choose obedience—even when it’s hard?
What Happened Next?
Jesus walked into the Garden of Gethsemane, where betrayal was waiting.
His death brought salvation; His resurrection brought glory.
He was arrested, mocked, beaten, and crucified—but never off-mission.
The glory He prayed for was revealed through the cross, then magnified in the resurrection.
Living It Out
Living It Out
💬 Let’s Make It Personal
What “assignment” has God given you right now?
It might be raising children, finishing a project, starting a ministry, walking through grief, or forgiving someone.
Where are you tempted to give up?
Is it in a relationship, your calling, or your trust in God?
What would it look like to say: “I have finished the work You gave Me to do” in your season of life?
Your Next Step
Action 1: Write a Personal Prayer
Spend a few minutes writing a short 1–2 sentence prayer to God:
“Father, glorify Yourself through me in this season as I… [name your assignment or struggle].”
“Even when it’s hard, help me finish well.”
Action 2: Memorize and Meditate
Memorize John 17:3:
“This is eternal life: that they know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.”
Reflect on it each morning this week. Ask God to deepen your knowledge of Him—not just in your head, but in your heart.