Joh 17:1-3 | TNotes | STEP | Summary for John 17:1-26: 17:1-26 This chapter records Jesus’ longest prayer, which is often called his “high priestly prayer.” It provides an intimate glimpse into his heart. In this prayer, which closes the farewell that began at 13:31 , Jesus expressed his own concerns to his Father (17:1-8 ) and then turned to concerns for the church and its future (17:9-26 ). 17:1 Jesus looked up to heaven , assuming the traditional Jewish posture for prayer (11:41 ; Ps 123:1 ). He probably also raised his hands (Exod 9:33 ; 17:11 ; Ps 28:2 ). Prayers like this were said aloud so that followers could hear (John 11:41-42 ; 12:27-30 ; also Matt 11:25-30 ; Luke 10:21-22 ). • Father was Jesus’ usual way to address God, which he did six times in this prayer (see also John 11:41 ; 12:27 ). This title—unusual in Judaism—reflected Jesus’ intimacy with God. • This hour included Jesus’ betrayal, arrest, torture, death, and resurrection (see study note on 12:23). • Glorify your Son: In the Gospel of John, the cross is a place of honor. Jesus’ oneness with the Father means that if the Son is glorified, the Father will also be glorified.

Summary for John 17:1-26: 17:1-26 ^a This chapter records Jesus’ longest prayer, which is often called his “high priestly prayer.” It provides an intimate glimpse into his heart. In this prayer, which closes the farewell that began at 13:31 ^b, Jesus expressed his own concerns to his Father (17:1-8 ^c) and then turned to concerns for the church and its future (17:9-26 ^d). 17:1 ^e Jesus looked up to heaven, assuming the traditional Jewish posture for prayer (11:41 ^f; Ps 123:1 ^g). He probably also raised his hands (Exod 9:33 ^h; 17:11 ⁱ; Ps 28:2 ^j). Prayers like this were said aloud so that followers could hear (John 11:41-42 ^k; 12:27-30 ^l; also Matt 11:25-30 ^m; Luke 10:21-22 ⁿ).

• Father was Jesus’ usual way to address God, which he did six times in this prayer (see also John 11:41 ^o; 12:27 ^p). This title—unusual in Judaism—reflected Jesus’ intimacy with God.

• This hour included Jesus’ betrayal, arrest, torture, death, and resurrection (see study note on 12:23).

• Glorify your Son: In the Gospel of John, the cross is a place of honor. Jesus’ oneness with the Father means that if the Son is glorified, the Father will also be glorified.
17:2 ^q All authority has been placed in Jesus’ hands (3:35 ^r); he can give eternal life as only God can (3:15 ^s; 5:21 ^t, 25-26 ^u).
17:3 ^v to know you: The Hebrew idea of knowing encompassed experience and intimacy, which for Christians means love for God and obedience to him.

• sent to earth: Jesus originated in heaven and was returning there (17:5 ^w), so he exercises divine authority as the agent of God.