John Chapter 17:11-26 by Mark Dunagan

The Gospel Of John Chapter 17:11-26

John 17:11 “And I am no more in the world; and yet they themselves are in the world, and I come to Thee. Holy Father, keep them in Thy name, the name which Thou hast given Me, that they may be one, even as We are.” “I am no more in the world”-‘Jesus’ departure from the world is so near that he can use the present tense of it. His work in the world is done.’ (Morris p. 726)

“yet they themselves are in the world”-It is His task to leave the world, it is their task to remain in the world, therefore, they will need His prayers. Lenski notes, ‘We see how infinitely precious the disciples are in the eyes of Jesus as well as in the eyes of the Father. Would that we might always think of ourselves in this exalted light!’ (p. 1135)

“Holy Father”-Carefully note that the ‘Holy Father’ is not a man or some human religious authority. Morris notes, ‘Jesus speaks mostly of God in terms like “Father”. But the holiness is still there. It is not to be overlooked or forgotten. The expression “Holy Father” is a reminder of both aspects of God’s nature.’ (p. 727) God is not only a loving Father, but a Holy Father Who cannot ignore sin and evil (1 Peter 1:14-15).

“keep them in Thy name”-‘Jesus makes an appeal to the moral and spiritual qualities which characterize the Father….He asks the Father to stand guard…over these men.’ (Hendriksen p. 356) The ‘name’ stands for everything associated with God, His character, nature and revelation. Jesus appeals to the Father’s nature, i.e. the Father is faithful, and also that these men will be guarded by the revelation given by both Jesus and the Father.

“the name which Thou hast given Me”-‘all spiritual truth is gathered up in “the name” of God, the perfect expression…of what God is, which name the Father gave to the Son to declare when He took man’s nature upon Him….It was His deity and doctrine which “kept” them (John 6:68).’ (Butler p. 333) Jesus declared the Father’s nature and doctrine to the disciples (John 1:18; 12:49). As Jesus had kept the disciples through such teaching, He prays that the disciples would continue to be guarded by the truth (17:17). Of course, one is only guarded by the truth as long as they want to love truth (2 Thess. 2:10-12).

“that they may be one, even as We are”-This theme of unity will be repeated later in the chapter (17:21-23).

Points To Note: 1.

Notice how this “oneness” is inherently connected with the “name” (revelation/character) of God. This is a unity rooted in God’s truth, this is a unity based on believing what God has said and what God has said about Himself. This is not a unity based on being sentimental about others or sentimental about unity. 2. ‘one in communion, aim, and work. This is total, complete undivided unity; and, when applied to the disciples, unity in all matters of doctrine and practice…(1 Corinthians 1:10).’ (Woods pp. 357-358) 3. Various denominational writers try to escape the clear impact of the above words. They try to argue that Jesus wasn’t wanting all Christians to believe the same thing. But does that mean that Jesus and the Father have conflicting views? This unity does include loving our brethren (13:34-35), but it isn’t limited to loving each other. Even before loving our brethren, this unity demands that we all love God and His will. 4. ‘Jesus requests that the disciples may constantly (note the force of the durative present subjunctive) be one in their stand over against the world; in other words, that they may remain united in love and in the defense of the truth.’ (Hendriksen p. 357) 5. Jesus is not praying for a unity that transcends doctrinal unity, for doctrinal unity is a unity based in the nature, character and teachings of God! 6. Therefore we must oppose all false systems of unity, and all claims that doctrinal unity among all Christians is not possible, in fact, neither is it desired. The sad fact of the matter is that the denominational religious bodies are more committed to their creeds, existence and power then they are with fulfilling the words of Christ. No human tradition or personal opinion is worth holding on to when it goes against and frustrates Jesus prayer for unity! 7. The Apostles clearly understood that Jesus meant a unity based on what God has said and not upon what we may want to feel (1 Corinthians 4:17; 7:17; 11:16; Eph. 4:4-6; 2 Thess. 3:6-14; 2 John 9; 1 Timothy 6:3). In addition, yes we must love unity, but more importantly, we must love God and His truth more then we love unity. Without a deep love for God, love for unity can quickly degenerate into a love for compromise. Woods notes, ‘Thus, any division, of whatever nature, between the disciples is a deviation from the unity which evermore characterizes the Godhead, and is, to this extent, an abandonment of the divine pattern.’ (p. 358)

John 17:12 “While I was with them, I was keeping them in Thy name which Thou hast given Me; and I guarded them, and not one of them perished but the son of perdition, that the Scripture might be fulfilled.” “I was keeping them in Thy name which Thou hast given Me”-‘Thus from day to day he himself had kept them, holding before them constantly the things which he had heard from the Father.’ (Hendriksen p. 357) Once again, the “name” inherently includes teaching about God and teaching from God.

“but the son of perdition”-‘the son of destruction’ (Rhm) Morris notes, ‘”The son of perdition” points to character rather than destiny. The expression means that he was characterized by “lostness”, not that he was predestined to be “lost”…He was a responsible person and acted freely. But God used his evil act to bring about His purpose.’ (p. 728)

“that the Scripture might be fulfilled”-(Psalm 41:9). Carefully note what was true about Judas: He had been given to Jesus by the Father, God had selected him to be one of the apostles. As with the others, he had been under Jesus’ constant observation. He had been taught by Jesus, and Judas was the only one who had fell away. Thus, far from being black-balled by God from eternity, Judas was given every chance to do the right thing. When Judas sinned, he did so willingly and against every incentive to remain faithful to Jesus. Butler notes, ‘It is to be remembered that the fall of Judas, terrible as it was, is only one instance out of multitudes in which God permits men to receive gifts which they fling away, and occupy spheres for which in the end, through their own fault, prove themselves unfit (Sadler). Neither position in the church nor association with church people assures one of salvation. Judas accompanied…. Jesus Christ, was chosen and named among the apostles, was given power to work miracles, and was lost!’ (p. 334) In addition, the fact that Judas’ fall was foretold would only strengthen the faith of the Apostles, for it revealed: A. Jesus was truly omniscient and nothing caught Him by surprise. B. The failure of Judas wasn’t due to some fault in Jesus’ teaching or example. ‘the apostasy of Judas was not a “slip-up” on God’ (Butler p. 334)

John 17:13 “But now I come to Thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they may have My joy made full in themselves.”

“they may have My joy made full in themselves”-‘When Jesus departs He will no longer guard the apostles in a personal way as He had done for three years. Though they would be hated and persecuted, the request is not that they be removed from these tribulations…but rather He prays that they be encouraged through knowing the joy of Christ.’ (Harkrider p. 115) Points To Note: 1.

The Joy of Jesus is a joy that can even rejoice in the face of the cross (Hebrews 12:2). It is a joy that is able to look beyond temporary pain and personal sorrow. It is a joy which comes from doing the right thing, from glorifying God, in seeing God get the glory and the credit. 2. And Jesus prays that they may have this joy in full measure. Please note that Jesus prays that His Apostles would be happy Christians and not depressed and frustrated Christians. He wants them to enjoy serving His Father as much as He has enjoyed doing the will of the Father on this earth. Barclay notes, ‘He told them that they were different from the world, and that they could not expect 3

anything else but hatred from the world. Their values were different from the world’s values; their standards were different from the world’s standards. But there is a joy in battling against the storm and struggling against the tide.’ (p. 251)

John 17:14 “I have given them Thy word; and the world has hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.”

“and the world has hated them”-Carefully note, that the Christian is often persecuted, not because the Christian is ugly, weird, anti-social, and so on. But the world often resents the Christian because of what the Christian believes and proclaims. The gospel message, the Word of God is naturally going to generate opposition and resentment from the world, because it is a message which convicts the world of its sin (16:8).

John 17:15 “I do not ask Thee to take them out of the world, but to keep them from the evil one.”

“I do not ask Thee to take them out of the world”-Since the disciples are not of this world, some might expect that Jesus would pray to have them removed from the earth. But their place is on this earth, even though they aren’t earthly minded or infected by the attitudes of society which is alienated from God. Morris notes, ‘Prayers were offered by Moses and Elijah and Jonah to be taken out of the world (Num. 11:15; 1 Kings 19:4; Jonah 4:3,8)…The place of God’s people is in the world.’ (p. 730)

Points To Note: 1.

‘Jesus never prayed that His disciples might find escape; He prayed that they might find victory. The kind of Christianity (?) which buries itself in a monastery over a convent would not have seemed Christianity to Jesus at all. The kind of Christianity which finds the essence of the Christian life in prayer and meditation, and in a life withdrawn from the world…It was Jesus’ insistence that it was in the hurly-burly and the rough and tumble of life that a man must live his Christianity…Christianity was never meant to withdraw a man from life; it was meant to equip him better for life. Christianity does not release us from our problems; it offers us a way to solve our problems. Christianity does not offer us an easy peace; it offers us a triumphant warfare. Christianity does not offer us a life in which troubles are escaped and evaded; it offers us a life in which troubles are faced and conquered.’ (Barclay pp. 251-252) 2. While the Christian is to remain distinct from the world (society opposed to God) in his or her practices and beliefs (2 Cor. 6:14-7:1; Romans 12:1-2; 1 John 2:15-16). 4

At the same time, the Christian must have not only a high profile in the world, but much interaction with the world, so that the world has a opportunity to hear the truth (Matthew 5:11-16; Philippians 2:15). 3. In addition, the experiences in resisting the temptations in the world and preaching against the tide of popular opinion would build character in the disciples, and “their influence for good could be achieved only when in contact with it. Salt preserves meat only when in contact with it. In their close association with the world there was the ever-present danger of yielding to its allurements and he prayed that they might be kept from the influence of the evil one..’ (Woods p. 361)

“but to keep them from the evil one” Points To Note: 1.

That very night Judas had given into the temptations from the devil. 2. And Judas fell prey not merely to some abstract evil, but to the temptations from a personal devil who is always on the patrol to destroy the souls of men and women! (1 Peter 5:89). 3. The work of the Apostles would not merely be against human opponents to the truth, but also spiritual opponents (Ephesians 6:13,16) 4. Let the reader be impressed that divine protection from the evil one is not unconditional. ‘By faith and obedience to the Word of truth we are sanctified, set aside, set free from sin and the world (17:17)…Our protection and victory over the evil one consists in fleeing from him and drawing nigh unto God (James 4:7-8; 1 Peter 5:8-9)’. (Butler pp. 335-336) And refusing to give him a foothold in our lives (Ephesians 4:27). Even though Jesus is Divine, Jesus also recognizes the power and influence of Satan (1 John 5:18). The devil is real and he has a definite influence in this world (John 12:31; 14:30; 16:11; 1 John 2:13; 3:12).

John 17:16 “They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.”

Be impressed that we can break from the schemes and influences of Satan. He isn’t an allpowerful foe. These disciples were not of the world, they were not worldly-minded men. We are not destined to always fall short, we are not destined to spiritually fail. Average individuals can serve God, average individuals can renew their minds and average individuals can have the mindset which is in Christ (Philippians 2:5).

John 17:17 “Sanctify them in the truth; Thy word is truth.” “Sanctify them in the truth”-‘make them holy by the truth’ (Phi). To sanctify is to set apart, to set apart from sin and evil and to set apart to God’s purposes.

Points To Note: 1.

To sanctify means also to consecrate and notice that one is consecrated not by some ceremony or ritual, but through one’s response to the truth. 2. Thus I am set apart from evil, I am protected from the evil one, and I am starting to live a life dedicated to God when I obey God’s truth (Titus 2:11-12). 3. We must also reject the idea of Calvinism that the truth is insufficient to do this work. The Holy Spirit sets us apart to a holy life by means of the truth and not by some mysterious operation which violates our free will. Woods notes, ‘The Spirit provided the word (1 Corinthians 2:8-13); to urge that it cannot produce the sanctification for which the Lord prays is to limit the power of the Spirit himself as well as to deny the truth of the Lord’s affirmation here.’ (p. 362) 4. Not only does the Word of God enable us to come to our senses and flee from the life of sin and come to salvation (Romans 1:16). But it also equips us for living our new life (2 Timothy 3:16-17). It also reveals how we can stay sanctified and how we can make the most of our new condition before God. For we are sanctified, not to be put in a glass case, but rather sanctified to serve (Ephesians 2:10) Barclay notes that in the idea of sanctification, is the concept to equip a man with the qualities of mind and heart and character which are necessary for that task.’ (p. 253) This is what the Word does for the receptive heart. If I am going to serve a holy God, then I must also be holy (1 Peter 1:14-15).

“Thy word is truth” Points To Note: 1.

Which means that one cannot be dedicated to God if they reject what the Bible teaches. Sanctification doesn’t happen mysteriously and apart from obedience to God’s truth. 2. Jesus didn’t believe that the Bible was a mixture of truth and error, or a grain of truth surrounded and cluttered by human traditions and additions. 3. Sanctification is also a continual process (1 Thess. 4:8; 1 John 3:1-3), we must continually “weed” out the bad habits and attitudes which creep into our lives or the stubborn ones which refuse to be moved with an initial try. Our continual attitude of acceptance towards what God has said is the process of being sanctified by the truth. It is also the process by which we are kept from the evil one. The devil can’t fool the person who is trusting what God has said. ‘Here the apostles makes it plain that holiness and sanctification, even after one has become a Christian, is dependent upon one’s moral obedience and practice of the truth.’ (Butler p. 337) 4. Once again let us stress that sanctification is not by some mystical, overwhelming infusion of the Holy Spirit. But rather, through hearing and obeying the truth (1 Thess. 2:13; 2 Thess. 2:13-14; Romans 1:16-17). Even the denominational write Leon Morris admitted that ‘sanctification is not effected apart from the divine revelation’ (p. 731) 5. In addition, the Bible is not simply trustworthy, but it is TRUTH. It is truth that may be fully accepted without any hesitation. Teachings and principles that do not change

with the passing of time or culture (John 12:48). Truth that will still be truth at the final day of this universe. See Psalm 119:160.

John 17:18 “As Thou didst send Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world.” “I also have sent them”-In some respects the mission of the Apostles would be like the mission on which Jesus was set. They too would dispel the darkness, preach the truth, give mankind the knowledge of the true God and real salvation. After His resurrection, Jesus would give the disciples specific instructions on going into the world (Mark 16:1516; Matthew 28:18-20). And in a sense, every Christian also is involved in the type of work in which Jesus was involved, all of us are to share the good news with others and make God known to those who are lost (Acts 8:4). What a privilege that we have in teaching others. Evangelism should never be looked at as a tiresome duty, but as a blessing, that God is allowing us to work together with Him and His Son in this great endeavor.

John 17:19 “And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they themselves also may be sanctified in truth.” “I sanctify Myself”-In the context, this must mean that Jesus sets apart Himself to do the Father’s will, including dying on the cross. It is for their sakes, because He is doing something for them that they could have never done for themselves. In addition, without His death, their work would be fruitless and meaningless. And without His death they could never be sanctified in the truth. ‘It is only on the basis of what He has done for them that His prayer for their being sanctified may be answered.’ (Morris p. 732) Be impressed that without the sacrifice of Jesus, all the obedience in the world could never atone for our sins. Without Jesus, the truth will condemn us, for we have violated it (Romans 3:23). In addition, without the sacrifice of Jesus, faith would also be pointless, for faith doesn’t earn us salvation.

Prayer For All Believers

‘The concluding section of the prayer is of the greatest of interest for in it Jesus prays for all believers. It is thus a prayer for us as for those of previous generations.’ (Morris pp. 732-733) Notice the optimism of Jesus. Even though His followers at the present were few, He knew that many more would accept what they would be teaching after He was gone. ‘but 7

even with the Cross facing Him, His confidence was unshaken, and He was praying for those who would believe in His name.’ (Barclay p. 254)

John 17:20 “I do not ask in behalf of these alone, but for those also who believe in Me through their word;”

“but for those also who believe in Me through their word”

Points To Note: 1.

The verse infers that the information necessary to believe in Jesus would be revealed through the Apostles. The ‘word’ revealed through them would be the standard of faith and practice (1 Corinthians 14:37; 2 Thess. 3:6-14). 2. ‘Jesus knows no other method but the preaching of the apostolic doctrine in order to bring men to faith. Neither are there any other doctrines or philosophies approved by Christ to bring about unity for all who believe in Him.’ (Butler p. 340) Other passages emphasize the same truth (Galatians 1:8-9; Jude 3). 3. The reader must note that the unity in this section is a unity based on believing what the Apostles taught. Our oneness is not only rooted in a common attitude taught in the Scriptures but also in a common faith taught in the Scriptures (Ephesians 4:1-6). 3. Even Lenski notes, ‘The Word communicated by the apostles is the means for producing faith and making believers…The Word is the vital means and the root of faith. At once it appears how dangerous it is to be ignorant of the Word or to alter and to falsify it in any way. Ephesians 2:20 shows that Jesus considers the Word as given to the church through the apostles the foundation of the church for all time.’ (along with Jesus) (p. 1154) 4. And seeing that only a few men (compared to how many have lived in the succeeding ages) actually heard the Apostles speak personally, ‘their word’ must naturally include the written Word. 5. Therefore, we must reject any and all attempts to discredit the New Testament Scriptures. It is so short-sighted go about trying to undermine the authority of the Apostles letters, for without those letters, we couldn’t even believe in Jesus! A person can’t come to faith in Christ without heeding their message! (Romans 10:17)

‘Should not all of us daily reflect upon this fact, and to ourselves utter these words: “The Lord prayed FOR ME when death for him was but a few hours away.”’ (Woods p. 363) ‘When men come to respect God’s word as they ought agreement on the basis of its teaching is easy; but, it will never be possible to unite on the doctrines and commandments of men. Creeds, confessions of faith, church manuals constitute a perpetual barrier to the unity of religious people.’ (Woods p. 364)

John 17:21 “that they may all be one; even as Thou, Father, art in Me, and I in Thee, that they also may be in Us; that the world may believe that Thou didst send Me.” “that they may all be one”-This oneness is based on all believing what the Apostles taught (Acts 2:42; 1 Corinthians 1:10; 2 Thess. 3:6; 2 John 9).

“even as Thou, Father, art in Me, and I in Thee”-Obviously, this isn’t a superficial oneness and neither is this an agreement to disagree. The idea of unity in diversity certainly doesn’t fit these verses. Jesus and the Father, do they have a unity in diversity? Jesus and the Father, do they sharply disagree about all sorts of truths and issues?

“that they also may be in Us”-Fellowship with the Son and the Father is dependent upon believing the Word of the Apostles. Those who depart from the Word, those who divide the body of Christ over human tradition or opinion, cannot have fellowship with Deity (Galatians 5:19-21).

“that the world may believe that Thou didst send Me”Points To Note: 1.

‘The greatest barrier to the conversion of all mankind is the disunity which prevails in the religious world. The only really effective argument the infidel has against what is called the Christian religion is the disgraceful divisions which fracture and weaken it. Though denominational devotees freely concede that their organizations are human in origin and offer nothing peculiar to them that is essential to salvation, they nonetheless persist in maintaining them, thus perpetuating the division which our Lord deplored.’ (Woods p. 364) 2. Notice the standard set before us, the unity that exists between the Father and the Son. That is the pattern! 3. Therefore we must reject and oppose every human invention which stands between believers and the unity demanded in these verse. In view of such a prayer, there is no room in Christianity for human creeds, human tradition, human opinion and human arrogance. 4. ‘If we understand how that many believers can be “one” (i.e., united with each other in doctrine, life, and practice), we thereby gain insight into how the Father and Son are “one” (John 10:30). They are not one being, or person, as some contend; but the Father and Son are united in aim, purpose, and work.’ (Harkrider p. 116)

John 17:22 “And the glory which Thou hast given Me I have given to them; that they may be one, just as We are one.”

‘just as His true glory was to follow the path of lowly service culminating in the cross, so for them the true glory lay in the path of lowly service wherever it might lead them.’ (Morris p. 734) Sometimes we forget that Jesus has promised us glory (2 Timothy 2:11-12). In addition, the disciples and all Christians are given the privilege to manifest a unity which can convict the world and have a unity not only with other believers, but with the Father and the Son. See also (Col. 3:4; 1 Peter 5:1; 2 Cor. 4:17; Romans 8:17-18). In addition, when Jesus spoke of being crucified, He often spoke of being glorified. ‘It is an honor and a glory to suffer for Jesus Christ. We must never think of our cross as our penalty…We find our glory, our honor, our life, not in doing as we like, but in doing as God wills.’ (Barclay p. 257)

John 17:23 “I in them, and Thou in Me, that they may be perfected in unity, that the world may know that Thou didst send Me, and didst love them, even as Thou didst love Me.”

“I in them, and Thou in Me”-Emphasizing the complete unity which exists between the Father, Jesus and believers.

“they may be perfected in unity”-‘perfectly united’ (Wms); ‘completely one” (Nor). “that the world may know that Thou didst send Me”-Once again, notice the quality of unity which is stressed. A unity in diversity doesn’t impress the world, for anyone can compromise. Jesus doesn’t pray for compromise among believes, He doesn’t pray that we sacrifice truth or ignore error for the sake of unity, rather, He prays for perfect unity between His followers based on the teachings of the Apostles.

“and didst love them, even as Thou didst love Me”-Such unity also manifests the fact of the Divine love that exists among those who follow Christ. ‘The unity of believers will be explicable to the world only on the basis of the divine love. It will transcend all human unity…it is a unity which the world can observe, and which will influence the world.’ (Morris p. 736)

John 17:24 “Father, I desire that they also, whom Thou hast given Me, be with Me where I am, in order that they may behold My glory, which Thou hast given Me; for Thou didst love Me before the foundation of the world.” 10

“be with Me where I am…behold My glory”-Notice the great love of Jesus. This plan to save mankind just isn’t the Father’s idea. Jesus earnestly desires that people end up saved (2 Peter 3:9). Dying for mankind didn’t cause Jesus to be burned out on the human race. Jesus really wants us to be with Him in heaven one day and behold, behold continuously His Divine glory. Wow! Now what was your excuse for not being motivated to serve God? See also 1 John 3:1-3

“for Thou didst love Me before the foundation of the world”-Thus the love between the Father and Son stretches back into eternity. Jesus’ prayer looks in both directions. The Father’s love for Him from eternity and the disciples presence with Him in heaven for eternity. Woods notes, ‘That the “glory” which the Father gave the Son refers to the restoration of himself to his former state is clear from the fact that never in the sacred writings is there any hint that there was occasion for any bestowal of grace from the First to the Second preceding the Lord’s coming into this world, such a conception not being consistent with their position of equality.’ (p. 366)

John 17:25 “O righteous Father, although the world has not known Thee, yet I have known Thee; and these have known that Thou didst send Me;” “O righteous Father”-‘The ground or plea on which this entire prayer is based is the fact that the Father is righteous’ (Harkrider p. 116)

“although the world has not known Thee”-Praise God that God doesn’t hold a grudge against all of us, because of the unbelief manifested by the majority (Matthew 7:13-14). Thank God that He doesn’t get so angry at the “world” to the point that His great offer of salvation is withdrawn. Notice that God doesn’t allow the rebellion of the many to side-track His plans.

John 17:26 “and I have made Thy name known to them, and will make it known; that the love wherewith Thou didst love Me may be in them, and I in them.” “will make it known”-through the coming work of the Holy Spirit the Apostles would truly understand the depth of God’s love when they realized the meaning and significance of the crucifixion. More truth would be revealed to them, more would be given them concerning the Father in the future. “may be in them, and I in them”-It just isn’t enough to preach and talk about love, we must live it, believe in it, direct our lives by it and be people who love as God loves (Matthew 5:48; 1 Corinthians 13:4-8).