What does John 17:5 mean?
"And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was." - John 17:5

John 17:5 (KJV) states: "And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was."
This verse comes from the Gospel of John, which is the fourth book of the New Testament. It is part of a prayer known as the High Priestly Prayer, where Jesus prays for himself, his disciples, and all future believers. This particular verse focuses on Jesus asking God to restore the glory he had with God before the world was created.
The context of this verse is crucial in understanding its significance. Jesus is praying to God the Father shortly before his crucifixion. He knows that his time on earth is coming to an end, and he wants to be glorified in his return to the Father. This prayer reveals the deep connection and unity between Jesus and God. It also highlights the eternal nature of Jesus and his pre-existence before the world was created.
The theme of glory is central to this verse. Jesus desires to be glorified and restored to the exalted position he had with God before the world existed. This speaks to his divinity and the eternal nature of his being. It also demonstrates his humility in praying to the Father and acknowledging the source of his glory.
The symbolism in this verse is multifaceted. Firstly, it symbolizes the relationship between God the Father and God the Son. The request for glory is an acknowledgment of the unity and shared divinity between the two. It also symbolizes the eternal nature of Jesus, as he existed before the world was created and desires to return to the glory he had with God.
Furthermore, the request for glorification can be seen as a foreshadowing of Jesus' resurrection and ascension. After his death on the cross, Jesus was indeed glorified when he rose from the dead and ascended to heaven to be reunited with the Father. This verse sets the stage for the fulfillment of that glorification.
In a broader theological sense, this verse also points to the doctrine of the Trinity. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are all present in this prayer, and it emphasizes their distinct roles while also highlighting their unity as one God. Jesus' request for glorification with the Father reinforces the concept of the Trinity and the eternal, unchanging nature of God.
Overall, John 17:5 is a powerful and profound prayer from Jesus to the Father, expressing his desire to be glorified and restored to the exalted position he shared with God before the world was created. It speaks to the eternal nature of Jesus, his unity with the Father, and the fulfillment of his glorification through his death, resurrection, and ascension. This verse is a testament to the divinity of Jesus and his unique relationship with God the Father.
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John 17:5 - "And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was."
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