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).
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