Commentary

What does John 17:22 mean?

“And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one:” — John 17:22

John 17:22 (KJV): "And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one."

This verse is part of Jesus' high priestly prayer, which He prayed to the Father just before His arrest and crucifixion. In this prayer, Jesus intercedes on behalf of His disciples and all believers, asking the Father to protect and sanctify them as they continue His work on earth.

The verse speaks to the idea of the glory of God being given to Jesus, and in turn, Jesus bestowing this glory upon His followers. The "glory" in this context is often understood to refer to the divine presence and power of God. By sharing this glory with His disciples, Jesus is elevating their status and empowering them to carry out His mission in the world.

One of the central themes of this verse is unity. Jesus prays that His followers may be one, just as He and the Father are one. This unity is not just a superficial or external unity, but a deep and spiritual unity that mirrors the oneness of the Godhead. The idea of being "one" implies not only a harmonious relationship among believers but also a shared identity and purpose. This unity is vital for the effectiveness of the Church and its witness to the world.

The context of this verse is crucial for understanding its significance. Jesus is about to face His impending death, and He is concerned for the welfare of His disciples. In this prayer, He seeks to reassure them and to provide for them in His absence. By sharing His glory with them, He offers them a source of strength and inspiration as they continue His work on earth. This prayer is also a demonstration of Jesus' love and care for His followers, as He intercedes for them before the Father.

The symbolism in this verse is rich and multi-layered. The "glory" of God represents His divine attributes, including His holiness, power, and majesty. By giving this glory to His disciples, Jesus is commissioning them to go out into the world as representatives of His kingdom, empowered by the same divine presence that was in Him. This act of bestowing glory also reflects the intimacy of the relationship between Jesus and His followers, as He shares with them something of His own divine nature.

The oneness that Jesus desires for His disciples is a reflection of the unity within the Godhead. This unity is not just a relational or emotional bond but a unity of purpose and mission. The disciples are called to be united in their devotion to Christ and in their commitment to advancing His kingdom. This unity is not to be taken lightly, as it is a powerful witness to the world of the reality and truth of the gospel message.

In conclusion, John 17:22 is a verse of great significance and depth. It speaks to the intimate relationship between Jesus and His followers, as well as the unity and empowerment that comes from sharing in His divine glory. It is a prayer that continues to resonate with believers today, reminding us of our high calling as followers of Christ and the profound privilege of sharing in His mission and purpose.