Easter · Year B
Seventh Sunday of Easter
May 9, 2027
Overview & Insights
“I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one.” (John 17:15)
Just as in verses 1–3, the Son’s work of “glorifying” the Father is defined as revealing or making the Father known, but in this case the revealing is to the specific group of disciples gathered to hear Jesus’ last instructions. The phrase those whom you gave me focuses on this limited group in contrast to all those you have given him (out of all people ) in verse 2. Such phrases as they have obeyed (v. 6), now they know (v. 7), they accepted, they knew, they believed (v. 8) are Jesus’ testimony to the Father that the revelation has taken place; his work is indeed finished. He bases his testimony explicitly on the disciples’ confession in 16:30, enlarging on his exclamation in 16:31, “You believe at last!” The disciples are the living trophies of Jesus’ mission on earth. As he reiterates his plea to glorify me in your presence (v. 5), he presents them to the Father with the acknowledgment that they were yours; you gave them to me (v.
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Commentary
Commentary on John 17:6-19 Working Preacher
Luther Seminary reading of Jesus praying that his followers be kept in the Father's name and guarded from the evil one.
John 17:6-19 Commentary Center for Excellence in Preaching
Reformed preaching commentary on the disciples belonging to someone out of this world yet sent into it.
John 17 - David Guzik Commentary Enduring Word · David Guzik
Evangelical verse by verse study of the High Priestly Prayer for protection, joy, and sanctification in truth.
John 17:11 Commentaries BibleHub
Classic commentators gathered on Holy Father, keep them, and the prayer that they may be one.
John 17 Commentary Precept Austin
Deep inductive digest with word study on being kept, sanctified, and sent into the world.
Seventh Sunday of Easter, Cycle B Loyola Press · Sunday Connection
Catholic Sunday Connection reflection and questions on Jesus praying for his disciples' unity and protection.
Waiting, Easter 7 (B) Sermons That Work · Episcopal Church
Episcopal sermon preached on exactly this Easter 7 Year B reading set, on the space between ascension and Pentecost.
Background & Word Study
John 17:11 Interlinear BibleHub
Greek text with parsing for keep, sanctify, and the name given by the Father.
Book of John Overview BibleProject
Animated overview of John's structure to place the farewell prayer within the Gospel.
John - Enter the Bible Enter the Bible
Luther Seminary background on John's authorship, purpose, and themes (background only).
The followers of Jesus are kept, sanctified and sent in John 17 Psephizo · Ian Paul
Ian Paul's Anglican study of how Jesus prays his disciples be kept, made holy, and sent into the world.
The Church Fathers
Questions preachers ask
What does Jesus pray for his disciples?
In his high-priestly prayer Jesus asks the Father to keep his own in the divine name and to guard them from the evil one, that they may be one and sanctified in the truth as he sends them into the world.
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