Commentary on John 17:5

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."

Introduction

This profound declaration by Jesus encapsulates key theological themes of His pre-existence, the nature of His glory, and His unity with the Father. The verse comes in the context of the High Priestly Prayer, where Jesus intercedes for His disciples and requests the Father’s glorification. This commentary draws insights from several public domain commentaries, including those by Matthew Henry, Albert Barnes, and Adam Clarke.

The Nature of Christ's Glory

In this verse, Jesus petitions the Father to restore to Him the glory that was His "before the world was." This assertion encompasses numerous theological implications:

• Pre-Existence of Christ: Both Matthew Henry and Adam Clarke emphasize that this statement affirms the eternity of Christ. He existed before creation, indicating His divine nature and equality with God the Father.
• Unity with the Father: The call for glory suggests a deep and intrinsic relationship with God. Jesus, in His essence, shares the same divine attributes, as highlighted by Albert Barnes who states that the glory of Christ is not derived but inherent.
• Incarnational Glory: The verse reflects a movement from heavenly glory to earthly humility, inviting reflection on the mystery of the Incarnation. Jesus asks to be glorified again, paralleling the trajectory from exaltation to humiliation and back to exaltation.

Insights from Public Domain Commentaries

Matthew Henry

Henry interprets this appeal for glorification as a recognition of Christ's rightful position in the divine order. It also illustrates the completeness of His mission; after fulfilling the work of redemption, He seeks to return to His original state of glory with the Father. He subtly underscores the notion that glorification serves not just for Christ but as a demonstration of divine approval of His earthly mission.

Albert Barnes

Barnes delineates the multifaceted aspect of glory as it pertains to Christ's request. He notes that glory includes prestige, honor, and majesty, which are rightfully restored to Christ as He completes His earthly ministry. Barnes also emphasizes that the Father’s glorification of the Son is an essential aspect of the Christian understanding of salvation and biblical revelation.

Adam Clarke

Clarke presents a rich exploration of the historical and contextual relevance of Jesus's request. He highlights that the phrase "the glory which I had with thee" suggests an intimate knowledge and experiential relationship shared with the Father, characterized by love and mutual glorification. Clarke's analysis calls attention to the profound but often overlooked theological strands woven into the fabric of this text.

Theological Implications

The implications of John 17:5 extend beyond the immediate context to encompassing broader theological discussions:

• The Doctrine of the Trinity: This verse reinforces the Christian doctrine of the Trinity, showing the distinct yet unified relationship of the Father and the Son. The request for glorification emphasizes the co-equal status of Jesus with the Father.
• Eschatological Promise: Jesus' glorification is not only a point of theological interest but also an eschatological promise. It assures believers of the ultimate restoration and glorification that they will share with Christ, as supported in Romans 8:18-21.
• Christ's Advocacy: The verse reveals the intercessory role of Christ, whom the New Testament describes as a mediator. His ongoing relationship with the Father serves as a foundation for the believer’s confidence in approaching God.

Practical Reflections

For pastors, theologians, and students of Scripture, John 17:5 offers rich material for practical reflection:

• Understanding Redemption: The request for glorification after the redemptive work completed on the cross invites believers to grasp the depths of Jesus’ sacrifice and its implications for their faith journey.
• Participation in Glory: The promise of sharing in Christ's glory inspires hope and encourages believers to live in a manner that reflects the holiness and honor of God’s call.
• Unity in Ministry: Just as the Father and the Son are one, believers are called to unity in the body of Christ. This aspect can serve as a model for church leadership and community engagement.

Conclusion

John 17:5 serves as a pivotal verse that encapsulates the essence of Christ's identity as the Son of God and His relationship with the Father. The insights provided by established commentaries allow readers to explore the depths of theological truths and their significance for faith and practice. This prayer of Jesus not only reveals the nature of His glory but also invites believers into a deeper understanding of their own identity in Christ and the hope of future glorification.