Easter Season · Sixth Sunday of Easter · Year B
John 17:11b-19
Jesus Prays for Himself
May 2, 2027
Overview & Insights
“Holy Father, keep them in your name... Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.” (John 17:11, 17)
If chapters 15–17 are viewed as an expansion in reverse order of the three pronouncements found in 13:31–35, then chapter 17 is built on Jesus’ solemn reference to glorification in 13:31–32. Glorification is at any rate the theme of verses 1–5. In verse 1, Jesus prays, Father, … Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you . In verse 5, he prays again, And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began . Superficially, it appears that these two petitions frame the first major division of the prayer. On this assumption, many commentators divide the prayer into four parts: Jesus’ petition for his own glorification (vv. 1–5), his petitions for his disciples gathered around him to hear his last words (vv. 6–19), his petitions for later generations of believers (vv. 20–23), and his concluding petitions for a final reunion with his loved ones (vv. 24–26).
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Commentary
Commentary on John 17:6-19 Working Preacher
Lectionary commentary on Jesus's prayer for the protection and sanctification of his disciples.
John 17 Commentary Enduring Word
Verse-by-verse commentary on Jesus's high priestly prayer.
John 17:6-19 Commentary Center for Excellence in Preaching
Reformed preaching commentary on Jesus praying for his disciples before the hour of his passion.
John 17 Commentary Precept Austin
Detailed study notes on Jesus's prayer of consecration for his disciples.
John 17 - Haydock Commentary Online Haydock
Catholic verse-by-verse commentary on the high priestly prayer.
Background & Word Study
The Church Fathers
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What is the High Priestly Prayer?
On the night before his death Jesus prays for his disciples, that the Father would keep them, guard them from the evil one, and sanctify them in the truth as he sends them into the world.
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