JOHN 17:1–5
“FATHER, THE HOUR HAS COME”: JESUS PRAYS FOR GLORY
BRIEF INTERPRETATION
Text – John 17:1–5
1 Jesus raised his eyes to heaven and said, “Father, the hour has come. Give glory to your Son, so that your Son may glorify you,
2 just as you gave him authority over all people, so that he may give eternal life to all you gave him.
3 Now this is eternal life, that they should know you, the only true God, and the one whom you sent, Jesus Christ.
4 I glorified you on earth by accomplishing the work that you gave me to do.
5 Now glorify me, Father, with you, with the glory that I had with you before the world began.”
Historical and Jewish Context
Public prayer with uplifted eyes was a familiar Jewish posture, expressing trust and filial dependence. The language of “hour” in Jewish Scripture often marked decisive moments in God’s saving plan. Jesus’ prayer echoes priestly intercession found in the Hebrew Scriptures, especially on behalf of the people before decisive covenantal acts. Speaking of pre-existent glory would have been striking to Jewish hearers, pointing beyond prophetic mission to divine origin.
Catholic Theological Perspective
This passage opens the High Priestly Prayer, revealing the inner life of the Trinity. Catholic theology teaches that the “hour” is the Passion, Cross, and Resurrection—where glory is paradoxically revealed through self-giving love. Eternal life is defined not merely as unending existence but as personal knowledge and communion with God through Christ. Jesus’ authority to give eternal life affirms His divinity and mission. The request to be glorified with the Father recalls Christ’s eternal pre-existence and equality with God, central to Trinitarian faith.
Parallels in Scripture
Daniel 7:13–14 – Authority given to the Son of Man.
Isaiah 53:10–12 – Glory through suffering.
John 1:1–4 – Pre-existence of the Word.
Philippians 2:6–11 – Glory following self-emptying.
1 John 5:11–12 – Eternal life in the Son.
Key Terms
Hour – The moment of Passion and glorification.
Glory – God revealed through obedient love.
Authority – Divine power to give eternal life.
Eternal life – Knowing God through Christ.
Before the world began – Christ’s pre-existence.
Catholic Liturgical Significance
This Gospel is proclaimed near the end of the Easter season and on solemn occasions reflecting Christ’s priestly mission. The Church contemplates Jesus as High Priest who offers Himself and intercedes for humanity.
Conclusion
John 17:1–5 reveals the heart of Jesus’ mission: to glorify the Father by giving eternal life through loving obedience. The Cross, far from defeat, becomes the revelation of divine glory and the gateway to communion with God.
Reflection
How do I understand glory in light of the Cross?
Do I seek eternal life as a living relationship with God?
How does Christ’s prayer shape my trust in the Father?
Prayer
Father of glory, through Your Son You have revealed eternal life. Draw me into deeper knowledge of You, that I may live in communion with You through Jesus Christ. May my life glorify You in faithful love. Amen.
DETAILED INTERPRETATION
INTRODUCTION
As Jesus lifts His eyes to heaven, the tone of the Gospel shifts from farewell to prayer. The public ministry has reached its culmination, and the decisive hour has arrived. Jesus addresses the Father with intimacy and confidence, fully aware that the path ahead leads through suffering to glory. His prayer reveals not fear, but filial trust and total surrender to the Father’s will.
The glory Jesus seeks is not self-exaltation in a human sense. It is the mutual glorification of the Father and the Son through obedience, love, and the fulfillment of the saving mission. Eternal life is defined not as mere duration, but as relationship: knowing the only true God and Jesus Christ whom He has sent. Glory, life, and mission are thus inseparably united.
John 17:1 – “Jesus raised his eyes to heaven and said, ‘Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son so that the Son may glorify you.’”
Interpretation
This verse opens Jesus’ great priestly prayer with solemn majesty. After addressing the disciples, Jesus now turns directly to the Father, revealing the inner dialogue of divine love at the threshold of the Passion.
“Jesus raised his eyes to heaven” is a gesture of trust, surrender, and filial intimacy. His posture expresses total dependence on the Father at the decisive moment of His mission.
“And said, ‘Father’” establishes the tone of the prayer. What follows is not lament or fear, but confident communion. Even as suffering approaches, Jesus speaks from relationship, not anxiety.
“The hour has come” declares fulfillment. The long-anticipated hour—foretold throughout the Gospel—has arrived. This hour includes the Cross, Resurrection, and glorification as one unified mystery.
“Glorify your Son” is not a request for escape from suffering, but for its transfiguration. Glory here passes through obedience and self-giving. Jesus asks that His faithful surrender be revealed as divine victory.
“So that the Son may glorify you” reveals the ultimate purpose. The Son’s glorification is never self-centered. It exists entirely for the glory of the Father. Mutual glorification flows within the unity of divine love.
Theologically, this verse reveals the Cross as the place of glory. What the world sees as humiliation becomes the supreme revelation of God’s love and faithfulness.
For believers, this verse teaches how prayer transforms crisis into offering. In moments of decisive trial, Jesus shows that trustful surrender leads to God’s glory.
Historical and Jewish Context
In Scripture, decisive moments in salvation history are often marked by prayerful surrender to God’s will (cf. 1 Sm 3:9–10). Jesus fulfills this pattern perfectly as the obedient Son.
Catholic Theological Perspective
The Church teaches that Christ’s Passion is inseparable from His glorification. The Cross reveals the glory of divine love and becomes the source of salvation for the world (cf. CCC 571, 617).
Key Terms
Hour — the Paschal Mystery reaching fulfillment
Glorify — reveal divine love through obedience
Son — Christ in filial relationship
Father — source and goal of divine mission
Conclusion
John 17:1 opens the heart of Jesus’ prayer. The hour of suffering becomes the hour of glory, because the Son entrusts everything to the Father in love.
Reflection
When I face decisive moments, do I lift my heart to the Father in trust, seeking His glory above all else?
Prayer
Father, in moments of trial, teach me to pray with the trust of Your Son. May my life, united with Christ, glorify You even through sacrifice and surrender. Amen.
John 17:2 – “Just as you gave him authority over all people, so that he may give eternal life to all whom you have given him.”
Interpretation
This verse unfolds the scope and purpose of the Son’s glorification. Jesus grounds His mission in the authority received from the Father and reveals that its ultimate goal is the gift of eternal life.
“Just as you gave him authority over all people” affirms that Jesus’ authority is not seized or self-generated. It is bestowed by the Father. This authority is universal, extending over all humanity, and is rooted in divine commissioning rather than worldly power.
“So that he may give eternal life” clarifies the nature of this authority. It is not domination or control, but life-giving service. Jesus exercises authority by bestowing what only God can give: participation in divine life.
“To all whom you have given him” reveals the mystery of divine gift and human response. Those who belong to the Son are entrusted to Him by the Father. Salvation unfolds within this loving exchange between Father and Son.
Theologically, this verse reveals authority as salvific. Power in God’s kingdom exists for the sake of life, not coercion. Eternal life flows from communion with the Son who receives all from the Father.
For believers, this verse offers assurance. Eternal life is not earned by human effort alone; it is given by Christ, who has received authority precisely to give life.
Historical and Jewish Context
In biblical tradition, God alone holds authority over life and death (cf. Dt 32:39). By declaring that the Father has given this authority to the Son, Jesus reveals His unique divine mission.
Catholic Theological Perspective
The Church teaches that Christ, as Lord of all, has authority to grant eternal life. This life is communion with God, offered through grace to those who belong to Him (cf. CCC 679, 1026).
Key Terms
Authority — divine power entrusted by the Father
All people — universal scope of Christ’s mission
Eternal life — participation in God’s own life
Given — gift within the Father–Son relationship
Conclusion
John 17:2 reveals the heart of Christ’s mission. The Father gives authority to the Son not to rule by force, but to give eternal life to those entrusted to Him.
Reflection
Do I receive eternal life as a gift from Christ, and do I live daily in the awareness of this divine calling?
Prayer
Lord Jesus, You have received authority to give eternal life. Draw me more deeply into communion with You, that I may live even now in the life You freely give from the Father. Amen.
John 17:3 – “Now this is eternal life, that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.”
Interpretation
This verse offers one of the clearest and most profound definitions of eternal life in all of Scripture. Jesus reveals that eternal life is not merely endless duration, but a living relationship rooted in knowledge and communion.
“Now this is eternal life” introduces a solemn definition. Jesus does not describe eternal life as a future reward alone, but as a present reality that begins now.
“That they may know you” identifies the heart of eternal life. In biblical language, “to know” signifies intimate, personal relationship, not abstract information. Eternal life consists in entering into communion with God.
“The only true God” affirms the uniqueness and sovereignty of the Father. Jesus situates eternal life within the monotheistic faith of Israel, while deepening it through revelation of divine relationship.
“And Jesus Christ whom you have sent” completes the definition. Knowledge of the Father is inseparable from knowledge of the Son. Eternal life is received through faith in Jesus as the one sent by God for salvation.
Theologically, this verse reveals salvation as relational and Trinitarian. Eternal life is participation in the life of God, made accessible through Christ and sustained by grace.
For believers, this verse reshapes the understanding of salvation. Faith is not merely preparation for life after death, but entry into divine life here and now.
Historical and Jewish Context
In the Hebrew Scriptures, true life is found in knowing and walking with God (cf. Jer 9:23–24). Jesus fulfills and deepens this tradition by revealing Himself as the one through whom God is truly known.
Catholic Theological Perspective
The Church teaches that eternal life is communion with the Holy Trinity. Through Christ, believers are invited into a living relationship with the Father that begins in this life and is fulfilled in glory (cf. CCC 1026, 2602).
Key Terms
Eternal life — living communion with God
Know — intimate, relational knowledge
Only true God — unique and sovereign Lord
Sent — divine mission of Christ
Conclusion
John 17:3 defines eternal life as knowing God through Jesus Christ. Salvation is not an abstract promise, but a living relationship that begins now and endures forever.
Reflection
Do I understand eternal life as a present relationship with God, or only as a future hope?
Prayer
Father, help me to know You more deeply through Your Son, Jesus Christ. Draw me into the eternal life You offer, that my faith may be a living relationship of love, trust, and communion. Amen.
John 17:4 – “I glorified you on earth by accomplishing the work that you gave me to do.”
Interpretation
This verse expresses Jesus’ serene confidence as He stands at the threshold of His Passion. He speaks as one who has faithfully completed the mission entrusted to Him by the Father.
“I glorified you on earth” declares that Jesus’ entire earthly life has been an act of worship. Glory is not limited to miraculous moments or public acclaim; it is revealed through obedience, truth, and love lived daily.
“By accomplishing the work” identifies the source of this glory. Jesus has not pursued His own agenda. Every word spoken, every sign performed, and every act of compassion has been oriented toward fulfilling the Father’s will.
“That you gave me to do” affirms divine commissioning. The mission originates in the Father’s love and trust. Jesus receives His task not as a burden, but as a gift to be fulfilled in love.
Theologically, this verse reveals the unity of obedience and glory. God is glorified when His will is embraced fully and carried out faithfully. Jesus’ life demonstrates that perfect obedience is perfect love.
For believers, this verse offers a model of faithful living. True glory lies not in success as the world measures it, but in completing the work God entrusts to each person.
Historical and Jewish Context
In biblical tradition, God’s servants glorified Him by faithful obedience to their calling (cf. Is 49:3). Jesus fulfills this vocation perfectly as the obedient Son.
Catholic Theological Perspective
The Church teaches that Christ’s obedience to the Father, even unto death, reveals the glory of God and becomes the source of salvation for humanity (cf. CCC 606, 618).
Key Terms
Glorified — revealed God’s love through obedience
Work — mission entrusted by the Father
Accomplished — faithful completion
On earth — lived within human history
Conclusion
John 17:4 reveals Jesus as the faithful Son who has completed the Father’s work. His life glorifies God not through self-exaltation, but through loving obedience.
Reflection
Do I seek to glorify God by faithfully completing the work He entrusts to me, even when it requires sacrifice?
Prayer
Father, teach me to glorify You through obedience and love. Help me to carry out the work You entrust to me with faithfulness, trusting that Your glory is revealed through humble service. Amen.
John 17:5 – “Now glorify me, Father, with you, with the glory that I had with you before the world was made.”
Interpretation
This verse lifts Jesus’ prayer into the depths of eternity. Having spoken of His completed work on earth, He now asks for the restoration of the glory that belongs to Him from all eternity.
“Now glorify me, Father” is a petition spoken in filial confidence. Jesus does not claim glory apart from the Father; He asks to be glorified by the Father, within their eternal communion.
“With you” emphasizes shared life and presence. The glory Jesus seeks is not external honor, but restored fullness of divine communion after the humility of the Incarnation.
“With the glory that I had with you” reveals pre-existence. Jesus speaks as one who shared divine glory with the Father before His earthly mission. This is a clear affirmation of His eternal divinity.
“Before the world was made” situates Christ beyond time and creation. His identity does not begin in history; history is entered freely for the sake of salvation.
Theologically, this verse reveals the mystery of the Incarnation and glorification as one movement. The Son who emptied Himself in love now returns to the Father, carrying redeemed humanity into divine glory.
For believers, this verse inspires hope. Christ’s glorification is not isolated; it anticipates the destiny of those united to Him. Where He goes, His followers are invited to follow.
Historical and Jewish Context
While Jewish prayer affirmed God’s eternal glory, Jesus uniquely speaks of sharing that glory with the Father before creation, revealing a depth of divine life beyond prior revelation.
Catholic Theological Perspective
The Church teaches that the Son is eternally begotten of the Father and shares fully in divine glory. His return to this glory after the Passion completes the work of redemption (cf. CCC 241–242, 461, 659).
Key Terms
Glorify — restore revealed divine splendor
With you — communion within the Trinity
Before the world was made — eternal pre-existence of the Son
Glory — divine life and presence
Conclusion
John 17:5 reveals Jesus as the eternal Son who humbly entered history and now returns to the Father in glory. The prayer opens a window into the eternal life of God.
Reflection
Do I live my faith aware that Christ calls me not only to service on earth, but to share in His eternal glory?
Prayer
Father, You glorified Your Son before all ages and have raised Him in glory after His saving work. Unite me to Christ, that I may share in the life and glory You have prepared for those who love You. Amen.
CONCLUSION
Jesus’ prayer discloses the inner meaning of His Passion. The Cross is not a defeat but the supreme revelation of divine glory. By completing the work entrusted to Him, Jesus glorifies the Father, and in turn asks to be glorified with the glory He shared before the world existed. The mystery of salvation unfolds within the eternal communion of Father and Son.
For the Church, this prayer becomes a foundation of hope and faith. Believers are drawn into the very life of God through Christ’s obedience and self-giving love. Eternal life begins now, in knowing and trusting the Father through the Son. As Jesus enters His hour, He carries with Him all who belong to Him, opening for them the path to divine glory.
PRAYER
Father most holy, You sent Your Son to reveal Your glory and to give us eternal life. Through His obedience and love, draw us into deeper communion with You. Help us to know You truly and to live in the life Your Son has given us. May our lives glorify You, as we trust in Christ who completed Your work and now lives and reigns with You forever. Amen.