Easter Season · Seventh Sunday of Easter · Year B
John 17:6-19
Jesus Prays for His Disciples
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 scholar reads Jesus' high priestly prayer as farewell care for disciples he is about to leave in the world.
Enduring Word Commentary, John 17 Enduring Word · David Guzik
David Guzik works verse by verse through Jesus' prayer for himself, his disciples, and future believers.
John 17:6 Commentaries BibleHub
Classic aggregator stacking Matthew Henry, Pulpit, Ellicott, and others on a single verse of the prayer.
John 17:6-19 Center for Excellence in Preaching
Reformed preaching commentary treats the prayer as Jesus' last will and legacy for those he leaves behind.
Into the World: SALT's Lectionary Commentary for Easter 7 SALT Project
Ecumenical commentary frames the prayer as sending the disciples into (not out of) the world for its sake.
Seventh Sunday of Easter, Cycle B, Sunday Connection Loyola Press · Sunday Connection
Catholic reflection and family activities on Jesus commending his disciples into union with the Father.
In the Space In-Between, Easter 7 (B) Sermons That Work · Episcopal Church
Episcopal sermon dwells in the waiting between Ascension and Pentecost that this Sunday marks.
Background & Word Study
John, Enter the Bible book overview Enter the Bible
Luther Seminary background hub on John's structure, purpose, and theology for placing chapter 17 in context.
Overview: Gospel of John BibleProject
Animated overview of John's design helps situate the farewell discourse and high priestly prayer.
John 17:6 Interlinear BibleHub
Greek word study of the prayer, including the key verbs for revealing the Father's name and keeping the disciples.
The Church Fathers
Sermons & Reflections
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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