Why Did Jesus Ask His Father to Glorify Him in John 17:1-5
Today we will talk about why Jesus asked His Father to glorify Him in John 17:1-5. Many Christians may wonder what this plea signifies and why it matters to our faith. This exchange between Jesus and the Father takes place during His final hours before the crucifixion, a moment imbued with immense significance. It not only reveals the relationship between Jesus and God the Father but also serves as a glimpse into the divine purpose of His mission on Earth. As we reflect on this scripture, let us prepare our hearts and minds to understand the depth and richness of His request. Bring along an attitude of meditation as we read through God’s word, and may the Lord guide us in grasping its meaning.
The Significance of Glorification
The term “glorify” comes from the Greek word “doxa,” which can be translated as “glory,” “splendor,” or “majesty.” In the Old Testament, the Hebrew equivalent is “kavod,” which encompasses the weightiness and importance of God’s presence (Exodus 33:18-19, Psalm 19:1). The concept of glorification is multi-faceted, often indicating a revelation of God’s nature, power, and majesty through His actions. When Jesus requests glorification, He is not simply seeking recognition; He is asking to be revealed in His true nature as the Son of God, fulfilling the mission assigned to Him.
From a historical perspective, glorification carries deep roots within Jewish culture. It is common for ancient Hebrew literature to emphasize the unveiling of God’s glory in significant events, such as the parting of the Red Sea (Exodus 14:21-31) or the appearance of the divine cloud in the Tabernacle (Exodus 40:34-35). In light of this background, Jesus’ request can be seen as an extension of that same tradition—calling upon God to manifest His glory in a way that reveals both the personal and cosmic significance of the moment.
Furthermore, Jesus recognizes that this glorification is intertwined with His imminent suffering and death. The pathway to glory for Him is through the cross (Philippians 2:8-11). This perspective is essential, as it invites us to rethink our own understandings of grandeur and success, encouraging us to embrace humility and sacrificial love as the essence of true glory.
Jesus’ Connection with the Father
One significant reason for Jesus’ request for glorification is His relationship with the Father. Throughout the Gospel of John, Jesus continually highlights His unity with God (John 10:30). This relationship of mutual glorification signifies deep intimacy, purpose, and shared essence. When Jesus expresses a desire for glorification, He acknowledges that the glory He seeks is inseparable from His Father’s glory. The act of glorifying the Son is also a way for the Father to reflect His own nature and characteristics.
Moreover, this relationship is not one-sided. Jesus’ existence on Earth as both fully God and fully human illustrates His dual role in fulfilling God’s overall divine plan. In John 17:2, it is written, “For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him.” This verse shows how Jesus not only shares glory with the Father but also reflects the Father’s authority. His glorification is ultimately about bringing humanity back into communion with God, emphasizing the shared mission they undertake together.
The amplification of glory in this relationship points to one grand theme: the love God has for humanity. In requesting this glorification, Jesus desires that His followers understand who He truly is—the embodiment of God’s glory and love (John 1:14). The formal unity of the Father and Son illustrates the purpose behind His life on Earth: to glorify the Father through obedience, which in turn invites us into glorious relationship with Him.
The Timing of the Request
John 17:1 explicitly states, “Father, the hour has come.” The timing of this request is crucial; Jesus is preparing for the culmination of His earthly ministry. As everything around Him begins to fall into place leading to the crucifixion, His request for glorification encapsulates the urgency and gravity of that moment. It hints at the fulfillment of prophecies and high expectations rooted in the Jewish faith.
The phrase “the hour has come” suggests a preordained timeline. Throughout the Gospels, we see moments when Jesus mentions that His time has not yet come (John 2:4, John 7:30); however, in this passage, He acknowledges that the appointed time has arrived. Thus, the act of glorifying Him is not just about His own reputation or elevation. Instead, it opens the door to a new era in salvation history. This moment signifies the transition from the earthly ministry of Jesus to the work He accomplished on our behalf through His death and resurrection.
Jesus recognizes that His glorification through death is essential for the greater good of humanity. In John 12:24, He shares a similar sentiment: “Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.” This foreshadows the impact His death and resurrection will have on those who believe in Him. The glorification He seeks is, therefore, a path leading to life for all who believe (John 3:16).
Implications for Believers Today
Jesus’ request to be glorified offers meaningful implications for believers today. First and foremost, it encourages us to consider what it means to glorify God in our own lives. Romans 12:1 beckons believers to present their bodies as a living sacrifice—holy and pleasing to God. When we make choices that reflect God’s glory, we echo what Jesus exemplified on Earth. Being transformed into His image means that we participate in His mission by living out love, humility, and servanthood.
Another crucial aspect of this plea for glorification is the hope it provides us. Jesus demonstrated that glory is intertwined with suffering. As we face challenges and trials, we can draw strength from knowing that our struggles have purpose and can bring about God’s glory. This perspective encourages us to revisit Hebrews 12:2, which reminds us to fix our eyes on Jesus, “the pioneer and perfecter of faith.” He not only faced the cross for our redemption but transformed it into a symbol of hope.
Furthermore, believers are called to reflect the unity that exists within the Godhead. In John 17:21, Jesus prays for all believers to be one, just as He and the Father are one. This desire for unity serves as a call to break down divisions within the body of Christ and to pursue forgiveness, reconciliation, and love. When we exhibit unity in our faith, we reveal the glory of God to the world, revealing the transformational power of His love.
In summary, Jesus’ request for glorification is rich with theology and practical application. It reaffirms the essence of His divine nature, highlights the importance of His relationship with the Father, and offers us an encouraging example to live by. As we ponder this request, let us be inspired to share the glory of the Lord in our lives, actively participating in His mission to bring hope to a world in need.
Final Thoughts
In concluding our discussion about why Jesus asked His Father to glorify Him in John 17:1-5, we recognize the depth of His request. His plea illustrates the closeness between Him and the Father, establishing a profound relationship steeped in love and purpose. It serves as a reminder that glorification is not solely about recognition but about bringing God’s essence to light through actions of service and sacrifice.
As we reflect on the implications of this text, we see how our lives can imitate Jesus by striving to glorify God in all we do. Even in difficult situations, we are encouraged to understand that our struggles can lead to heightened experiences of divine presence and hope.
Ultimately, we are called to cherish the beauty of this relationship and actively live out our faith by engaging in unity and love among ourselves as believers. In doing so, we reveal the glory of God to the world around us, fulfilling the calling we have received through Christ Jesus.
Further Reading
30 Bible Verses About Getting Closer To God (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Removing People From Your Life (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Israel (With Explanation)
30 Bible Verses About Being Lukewarm (With Explanation)
4 Ways to Encounter Grace and Truth: A Study on John, Chapter 4