John 17:20–26
The unity and future glory of believers flow from Christ’s redemptive work.
20 Not for these only do I pray, but for those also who will believe in me through their word,
21 that they may all be one; even as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be one in us; that the world may believe that you sent me.
22 The glory which you have given me, I have given to them; that they may be one, even as we are one;
23 I in them, and you in me, that they may be perfected into one; that the world may know that you sent me and loved them, even as you loved me.
24 Father, I desire that they also whom you have given me be with me where I am, that they may see my glory, which you have given me, for you loved me before the foundation of the world.
25 Righteous Father, the world hasn’t known you, but I knew you; and these knew that you sent me.
26 I made known to them your name, and will make it known; that the love with which you loved me may be in them, and I in them.”
The unity and future glory of believers flow from Christ’s redemptive work.
To reveal Christ’s intercession for future believers and their unity, mission, and ultimate glorification.
This section concludes the High Priestly Prayer. Jesus moves from praying for the immediate disciples to all future believers, anchoring unity, glory, love, and eternal fellowship in Trinitarian communion.
Jewish covenant identity emphasized corporate unity under God. Temple theology linked divine glory (δόξα) with visible presence among God's people. Prophetic expectation anticipated the gathering of a unified redeemed community.
The Son’s High Priestly Prayer: Glory, Preservation, Sanctification, Unity, Mission, and Love
Jesus, having completed the Father’s work, prays that the Father would glorify him through the cross, preserve and sanctify his disciples in the truth, unite all believers in divine love, and bring them to behold his glory forever.