JOHN 17:6–10
“I HAVE REVEALED YOUR NAME”: JESUS PRAYS FOR HIS DISCIPLES
BRIEF INTERPRETATION
Text – John 17:6–10
6 “I revealed your name to those whom you gave me out of the world. They belonged to you, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word.
7 Now they know that everything you gave me is from you,
8 because the words you gave to me I have given to them, and they accepted them and truly understood that I came from you, and they have believed that you sent me.
9 I pray for them. I do not pray for the world but for the ones you have given me, because they are yours,
10 and everything of mine is yours and everything of yours is mine, and I have been glorified in them.”
Historical and Jewish Context
In biblical Judaism, to “reveal the name” of God meant to make God’s character, will, and covenant faithfulness known, not merely to pronounce a title. God had revealed His Name to Israel progressively—from the patriarchs to Moses—but now Jesus claims to reveal it fully. The idea of disciples being “given” by the Father reflects Jewish understanding of divine election. Prayer of intercession by a leader on behalf of his followers echoes priestly and prophetic traditions, especially before moments of crisis.
Catholic Theological Perspective
This passage highlights Jesus’ role as mediator and High Priest. Catholic theology teaches that Christ reveals the Father perfectly through His words and person. The disciples’ faith is a gift rooted in divine initiative, yet it requires human response—“they have kept your word.” Jesus’ prayer is not exclusionary but focused: He intercedes especially for those entrusted to Him, the nucleus of the Church. The mutual belonging of Father and Son affirms Trinitarian unity, and Christ’s glory is already present in the faithful who receive and live the revealed word.
Parallels in Scripture
Exodus 3:13–15 – God revealing His Name.
Deuteronomy 29:28 – God revealing His will to His people.
John 1:18 – The Son making the Father known.
Hebrews 7:25 – Christ interceding for believers.
1 John 2:3–5 – Knowing God through keeping His word.
Key Terms
Revealed your name – Making the Father fully known.
Given to me – Divine election and mission.
Kept your word – Faith expressed in obedience.
Sent – Christ’s divine mission.
Glorified in them – God’s glory reflected in believers.
Catholic Liturgical Significance
This Gospel is proclaimed during the Easter season, especially near the Ascension. The Church reflects on her identity as a community formed by God’s word and sustained by Christ’s intercession.
Conclusion
John 17:6–10 reveals the deep bond between the Father, the Son, and the disciples. Jesus prays for those who have received and believed the word, showing that the Church is born from divine revelation, sustained by obedience, and glorified through communion with Christ.
Reflection
Do I truly receive and keep the word Christ has given me?
Am I conscious of belonging first to God before the world?
How does Christ’s intercessory prayer strengthen my faith?
Prayer
Father of holiness, You have revealed Your name through Your Son. Help me to keep Your word faithfully and to live as one who belongs to You. May Christ be glorified in my life, and may I remain always within His prayer. Amen.
DETAILED INTERPRETATION
INTRODUCTION
In this portion of His high priestly prayer, Jesus turns His attention from His own glorification to those whom the Father has entrusted to Him. He speaks of having revealed the Father’s name, meaning that He has made known God’s true identity—faithful, loving, and saving. The disciples are presented not as accidental followers, but as a gift given by the Father to the Son, drawn into an intimate relationship grounded in obedience and faith.
Jesus acknowledges the disciples’ response to this revelation. Though imperfect and still fragile, they have received His word and believed that He comes from the Father. Their faith, born within the context of grace, marks them as belonging to God. In praying for them, Jesus affirms their unique place in the divine plan, distinguishing them from the world while entrusting them fully to the Father’s care.
John 17:6 – “I have revealed your name to those whom you gave me out of the world. They belonged to you, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word.”
Interpretation
This verse marks a transition in Jesus’ prayer from speaking about Himself to interceding for His disciples. He presents them to the Father as a gift received and faithfully formed.
“I have revealed your name” expresses the heart of Jesus’ mission. In biblical language, revealing God’s name means making God known as He truly is. Jesus has disclosed the Father’s identity, character, and saving will through His words and life.
“To those whom you gave me out of the world” identifies the disciples as chosen. They are not self-appointed followers, but people entrusted to Jesus by the Father, drawn out of the world’s way of thinking into a new belonging.
“They belonged to you” affirms God’s prior claim. Before they followed Jesus, they already belonged to the Father by creation and promise. Election is rooted in God’s initiative.
“And you gave them to me” reveals a loving exchange between Father and Son. The disciples are a gift, entrusted to the Son for formation, protection, and mission.
“And they have kept your word” acknowledges their fidelity. Though imperfect and soon to falter, they have received, guarded, and lived by the revelation given to them. Jesus presents their obedience with generosity and mercy.
Theologically, this verse reveals discipleship as participation in divine relationship. Believers are known by the Father, entrusted to the Son, and shaped by the word of God.
For believers, this verse offers deep reassurance. Faith begins with God’s initiative and is sustained by Christ’s faithful care.
Historical and Jewish Context
In the Old Testament, God revealed His name to Israel as a sign of covenant relationship (cf. Ex 3:14; Dt 6:4–6). Jesus now fulfills this revelation personally by making the Father known through Himself.
Catholic Theological Perspective
The Church teaches that Christ reveals the Father fully and gathers a people for God by entrusting them with divine truth. Keeping God’s word is the sign of authentic discipleship (cf. CCC 65, 73, 787).
Key Terms
Revealed your name — made the Father truly known
Given — divine election and gift
Out of the world — separation from worldly values
Kept your word — faithful reception and obedience
Conclusion
John 17:6 reveals the intimate bond between Father, Son, and disciples. Those who belong to God are entrusted to Christ and formed by fidelity to the divine word.
Reflection
Do I recognize my faith as a gift entrusted to me by God, and do I strive to keep His word faithfully?
Prayer
Father, You have revealed Yourself through Your Son and entrusted me to His care. Help me to keep Your word with fidelity and love, and to live as one who truly belongs to You. Amen.
John 17:7 – “Now they know that everything you gave me is from you.”
Interpretation
This verse highlights a decisive growth in the disciples’ understanding. Jesus affirms that they have come to recognize the true source of His mission, words, and authority.
“Now they know” signals maturation of faith. Knowledge here is not mere intellectual grasp, but settled conviction born of relationship, experience, and trust.
“That everything you gave me” refers to Jesus’ teaching, works, authority, and mission as a whole. Nothing He has spoken or done stands apart from the Father’s will.
“Is from you” identifies the ultimate source. The disciples now understand that Jesus is not acting independently or as a self-appointed teacher. His entire life flows from the Father’s initiative and gift.
Theologically, this verse reveals the unity of revelation. To know Christ rightly is to know that He comes entirely from the Father. True faith recognizes divine origin behind Jesus’ words and deeds.
For believers, this verse invites deeper trust. Faith matures when one sees Christ not as an isolated figure, but as the perfect revealer of the Father’s heart.
Historical and Jewish Context
In biblical tradition, a true prophet is recognized by fidelity to God’s word and origin (cf. Dt 18:18–22). Jesus fulfills and surpasses this pattern as the Son who comes entirely from the Father.
Catholic Theological Perspective
The Church teaches that Jesus Christ is the definitive revelation of the Father. Everything He teaches and accomplishes flows from the Father’s will and love (cf. CCC 65, 516).
Key Terms
Know — mature, relational understanding
Everything — totality of Christ’s mission
From you — divine origin in the Father
Conclusion
John 17:7 affirms the disciples’ growing clarity of faith. They now recognize that Jesus’ entire mission and authority flow directly from the Father.
Reflection
Do I truly recognize that everything Jesus reveals comes from the Father, and do I allow that truth to shape my faith and obedience?
Prayer
Father, thank You for revealing Yourself through Your Son. Deepen my understanding, that I may trust fully in Christ and live according to the truth that comes from You. Amen.
John 17:8 – “Because the words you gave to me I have given to them, and they accepted them and truly understood that I came from you, and they have believed that you sent me.”
Interpretation
This verse deepens Jesus’ presentation of the disciples before the Father. He traces a clear movement of revelation: from the Father to the Son, from the Son to the disciples, and from reception to faith.
“Because the words you gave to me I have given to them” reveals the chain of divine communication. Jesus is not the originator of a private message; He faithfully transmits the Father’s words. Revelation flows through relationship and obedience.
“And they accepted them” highlights the disciples’ response. Acceptance here is more than hearing; it is receiving with trust and openness. Despite their limitations, they welcomed the word entrusted to them.
“And truly understood that I came from you” indicates authentic comprehension. Their understanding is not exhaustive, but it is real. They recognize Jesus’ divine origin and the authenticity of His mission.
“And they have believed that you sent me” completes the movement. Acceptance leads to understanding, and understanding leads to faith. Belief here is covenantal trust in Jesus as the One sent by the Father.
Theologically, this verse reveals how faith is born: revelation offered, word received, truth recognized, and belief professed. Salvation unfolds through this gracious process.
For believers, this verse offers a model of discipleship. Faith grows by receiving Christ’s word, allowing it to shape understanding, and responding with trust.
Historical and Jewish Context
In Israel’s tradition, receiving God’s word and believing His messenger were marks of covenant fidelity (cf. Ex 24:7). Jesus presents His disciples as those who have entered this covenantal response through Him.
Catholic Theological Perspective
The Church teaches that faith comes from hearing the word of God and accepting it with obedience of faith. Christ transmits the Father’s revelation, and belief in Him is belief in the One who sent Him (cf. CCC 73, 144, 424).
Key Terms
Words — divine revelation from the Father
Accepted — receptive obedience of faith
Understood — authentic recognition of truth
Believed — trust in Christ’s divine mission
Conclusion
John 17:8 presents the disciples as true recipients of revelation. They have received the Father’s word through the Son and responded with genuine faith.
Reflection
Do I merely hear Christ’s words, or do I truly accept them and allow them to deepen my faith in the One whom the Father has sent?
Prayer
Father, You have spoken Your word through Your Son. Help me to receive it with faith, to understand it with humility, and to believe more deeply in Jesus whom You have sent. Amen.
John 17:9 – “I pray for them. I do not pray for the world but for those whom you have given me, because they are yours.”
Interpretation
This verse marks a solemn narrowing of Jesus’ prayer. He turns from general revelation to focused intercession, presenting His disciples explicitly before the Father.
“I pray for them” reveals the heart of Jesus’ priestly role. He stands as intercessor, consciously and intentionally lifting His disciples to the Father at this decisive hour.
“I do not pray for the world” does not express rejection or lack of concern for humanity. Rather, Jesus distinguishes roles and moments. His prayer now concentrates on those who will carry His mission into the world.
“But for those whom you have given me” emphasizes divine election and responsibility. The disciples are entrusted to Jesus, and He now entrusts them back to the Father through prayer.
“Because they are yours” grounds everything in belonging. The disciples do not belong first to themselves, nor even primarily to the mission, but to God. Jesus prays for them precisely because they are the Father’s own.
Theologically, this verse reveals intercession as protection. Jesus prays not to remove the disciples from the world, but to sustain them within it as God’s possession.
For believers, this verse offers profound consolation. To belong to God is to be held in the prayer of Christ Himself.
Historical and Jewish Context
In the Old Testament, priests interceded especially for those entrusted to their care (cf. Nm 6:24–26). Jesus fulfills and surpasses this role as the eternal High Priest.
Catholic Theological Perspective
The Church teaches that Christ continually intercedes for His own before the Father. His prayer sustains the Church in fidelity, unity, and mission (cf. CCC 519, 662, 2634).
Key Terms
Pray — priestly intercession
World — humanity apart from God’s saving response
Given — divine entrustment
Yours — belonging to the Father
Conclusion
John 17:9 reveals the intimate focus of Jesus’ prayer. He intercedes for those entrusted to Him, presenting them to the Father as His own.
Reflection
Do I live with the awareness that I belong to God and am held within Christ’s interceding prayer?
Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for praying for those who belong to the Father. Keep me faithful, protected, and rooted in God’s love, knowing that You intercede for me always. Amen.
John 17:10 – “And everything of mine is yours, and everything of yours is mine, and I have been glorified in them.”
Interpretation
This verse reveals the depth of unity between the Father and the Son and introduces the disciples as the living space where this divine communion is manifested.
“And everything of mine is yours, and everything of yours is mine” expresses complete mutual possession. There is no division or rivalry between Father and Son. What belongs to one belongs fully to the other, revealing perfect unity of being, will, and mission.
This statement goes beyond functional cooperation. It discloses shared divine life. Jesus speaks not as a servant claiming delegated authority, but as the Son who shares everything with the Father.
“And I have been glorified in them” brings the disciples into this divine exchange. Jesus’ glory is not only revealed through miracles or teaching, but through transformed lives. The disciples themselves become the place where His glory is made visible.
Theologically, this verse reveals glory as relational and missionary. God’s glory shines where divine life is received and reflected in human faithfulness.
For believers, this verse offers both dignity and responsibility. To belong to Christ is to participate in revealing His glory through one’s life.
Historical and Jewish Context
In Scripture, God’s glory is revealed when His people live according to His covenant (cf. Is 43:7). Jesus now reveals that this glory reaches its fullness in communion with Him.
Catholic Theological Perspective
The Church teaches that the Father and the Son share one divine nature and glory. Through grace, believers are drawn into this communion and become instruments of Christ’s glorification in the world (cf. CCC 253–255, 460).
Key Terms
Everything of mine / yours — complete unity of Father and Son
Glorified — divine life made visible
In them — believers as bearers of Christ’s glory
Conclusion
John 17:10 unveils the profound unity of the Trinity and the astonishing truth that Christ’s glory is revealed through His disciples.
Reflection
Do I recognize that my life is called to reflect Christ’s glory through faithfulness and love?
Prayer
Father, You have shared everything with Your Son, and through Him You draw us into Your life. Help me to live in such a way that Christ may be glorified in me, for Your honor and the good of the world. Amen.
CONCLUSION
This prayer reveals the depth of Jesus’ pastoral concern. He does not pray for the world in general at this moment, but specifically for those who will carry forward His mission. The disciples belong to the Father and to the Son, united within the mystery of divine communion. Their lives and fidelity become the place where God’s glory will continue to be revealed.
For the Church, these words offer profound reassurance. Christ continues to intercede for His own, holding them before the Father with love and confidence. Discipleship is sustained not by human strength alone but by the prayer of Christ Himself. Knowing that we are prayed for and claimed by God, believers are strengthened to live faithfully as those who bear the revealed name of the Father in the world.
PRAYER
Father of truth and love, we thank You for revealing Your holy name through Your Son. Keep us faithful to the word we have received and deepen our trust in Him whom You have sent. Guard us as Your own, that our lives may reflect Your glory. Sustained by the prayer of Jesus, may we live as true disciples, bearing witness to Your name in the world. Amen.