What does John 17:24 mean?

Explanation

John 17:24 is part of what is often called the High Priestly Prayer, which is Jesus’ prayer to the Father on behalf of His disciples and all believers.

In this particular verse, Jesus expresses His desire for His followers to be with Him in His heavenly glory.

He speaks of those who have been given to Him by the Father, highlighting the relationship between the Father and the Son and the divine choice in those who become Jesus' followers.

The desire expressed is relational and intimate, it’s about being with Jesus and observing the glory that the Father has given Him.

This glory is tied to the Father's love, which is described as existing "before the foundation of the world," indicating an eternal relationship between the Father and the Son outside of time and creation.

Historical Context

John 17:24 is found within the Gospel of John, which was likely composed near the end of the 1st century A.D. The prayer happens after the Last Supper and before Jesus' arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane.

The cultural and historical context is the Jewish Passover, a time when Jews commemorate their deliverance from Egypt.

Jesus is addressing His impending crucifixion and is preparing His disciples for His departure.

At the same time, He is emphasizing the unity of the believers with Him and the Father, an important aspect of early Christian teachings and community.

Theological Insights

From a Trinitarian perspective, this verse supports the theology that Jesus and the Father are one and that there is a divine cohesion and purpose in the salvation of believers.

The phrase "thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world" highlights the pre-existence of Christ and the divine plan for redemption.

In different theological viewpoints, some may focus on the concept of predestination due to the phrase "whom thou hast given me," which suggests a selective process by the Father.

Others may discuss the eschatological implications, envisioning the final consummation where believers will share in Christ's glory.

Practical Applications

Practically, John 17:24 may provide comfort and hope to believers, emphasizing that the Christian life is not just about earthly existence but also about a future in the presence of Jesus.

It encourages unity among believers and can serve as a model for prayer, demonstrating the intimacy and concern that Jesus has for His followers' spiritual welfare and their ultimate destiny.

Believers might be inspired to seek a deeper understanding of Jesus' nature and glory and to prioritize their spiritual journey with the hope of eternity in mind.

Cross-References

• John 14:3 - "And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also."
• John 12:26 - "If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour."
• Ephesians 1:4 - "According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love."
• Revelation 21:3 - "And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God."

Language Study

The key words in this verse and their meanings from the original Greek are:

• "will" (θέλω, thelo): To desire, wish, or express a strong determination to do something.
• "given" (δεδωκας, dedokas): A perfect tense form of "give," indicating an action that was completed in the past with continuing results into the present.
• "glory" (δόξα, doxa): Used here to represent the magnificent, heavenly splendor and the divine presence associated with Jesus.
• "lovedst" (ἠγάπησας, egapesas): A form of the verb "to love," indicating an affectionate, benevolent, self-sacrificial love that God the Father has for the Son.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In comparison to other ancient myths and religious interpretations, the New Testament concept of the Father and Son sharing glory from before the foundation of the world could be likened to pre-existing deities or divine plans in pre-Christian mythologies.

However, while many myths discuss gods in relation to creation stories, the Christian narrative uniquely focuses on the selfless love within the Trinity and the predestined plan for human redemption, which stands apart from mythologies that often depict gods with human flaws and competing interests.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern science doesn’t typically intersect with theological doctrines concerning pre-existence or divine glory.

However, the reference to the "foundation of the world" can provoke thought regarding the origins of the universe.

Contemporary cosmology discusses the Big Bang theory as a starting point of the universe, which could be seen to resonate with the concept of a beginning.

The scientific viewpoint would be concerned with physical laws and not metaphysical or theological interpretations of pre-existence or the nature of divine glory.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and theologians offer various interpretations of John 17:24.

Many commentators note the High Priestly Prayer as a deep moment of communion between the Son and the Father, indicating their intimate relationship and the salvific purpose for believers.

Some focus on the desire of Jesus for the eventual unity and participation of believers in the divine life.

Others observe the rich Christological message, as Jesus claims a glory that He had with the Father "before the world was," signifying His divine nature and eternal relationship with the Father.

The passage is often seen as a window into the heart of Jesus’ mission and His care for His disciples and for all who would follow Him through the ages.