New Testament
John 17:1
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After saying these things, Jesus looked up toward heaven and said, "Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son, so that your Son may glorify you.
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These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee:
What John 17:1 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus is speaking to God the Father, acknowledging that the time has come for Him to fulfill His mission on earth. He asks God to glorify Him, which means to reveal His true nature and purpose, so that He can, in turn, glorify God. This moment is significant as it marks the beginning of the culmination of Jesus' work, leading to His crucifixion and resurrection. By lifting His eyes to heaven, Jesus demonstrates His connection and dependence on the Father. The request for glorification highlights the relationship between the Father and the Son, emphasizing that their glory is intertwined. Jesus is preparing to face the ultimate sacrifice, and His prayer reflects His commitment to God's plan and His desire to bring honor to God through His actions. This moment sets the stage for the events that will follow, showcasing the deep love and unity between Jesus and the Father as they work together for the salvation of humanity.
How to apply John 17:1 to your life
This verse encourages us to seek God's glory in our own lives. We can pray for strength and guidance to fulfill our purpose, just as Jesus did. By focusing on glorifying God through our actions, we align ourselves with His will and contribute to His greater plan.
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Jesus Prays for His Followers (John 17:1–26)
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Jesus
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725045). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nazareth, Israel; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Nazareth
The small town in Galilee where Jesus grew up.
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At a Glance — the Book of John
- Author
- John the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 85-95
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- All believers
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does John 17:1 mean?
In John 17:1, Jesus acknowledges that His time to fulfill His mission has arrived. He asks God to glorify Him, which means to reveal His true nature, so that He can glorify God in return.
What is the significance of Jesus looking up to heaven in John 17:1?
Jesus looking up to heaven signifies His connection and dependence on God the Father. It shows His intimate relationship with God as He prepares for the challenges ahead.
What is the context of John 17:1?
John 17:1 occurs during Jesus' final moments before His crucifixion. It is part of His prayer for Himself and His disciples, emphasizing His commitment to God's plan.
How can we apply John 17:1 in our lives?
We can apply John 17:1 by seeking to glorify God in our own lives. This involves praying for guidance and strength to fulfill our purpose, aligning our actions with God's will.
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