John 17 is known as the High Priestly prayer, and it is longest recorded prayer in scripture that Jesus prayed. Therefore, I believe it is important for Christians to read this chapter and take notice of the key elements. First of all, it is called the High Priestly prayer because Jesus Christ was interceding for the church itself. He was bridging the gap between God and man, heaven and earth, and He needed the strength to endure the cross so He could die, be buried, and resurrect on the third day. Hebrews 10:19-23 says, “19Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, 20By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; 21And having an high priest over the house of God; 22Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. 23Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering (for he is faithful that promised;).” When the veil was rent from top to bottom, it signified that the priesthood had transferred from the Levites to Jesus Christ, and now we can become part of the royal priesthood through Christ and come boldly to the throne of grace ourselves. He became the ultimate sacrifice so that we could find healing, salvation, and redemption through Him to our Heavenly Father!

This prayer can be divided into three sections:  the prayer of Himself, the prayer for His disciples, and the prayer for future believers. The first is the prayer for Himself. His prayer was that He would be glorified so He could glorify Him. How would you feel if someone stood beside you in church and prayed, “God, glorify me”? I would automatically think that they were some of the most selfish and prideful people that I had ever met. However, when Jesus prayed this prayer, it was not in pride, but in humility. He understood that He was the Son of God, and His Father wanted to bless Him in so many ways, and when He is high and lifted, His Heavenly Father would be glorified through Him, and people would be drawn to Him (John 12:32). He knew that glorification could only come through persecution, but it is worth it so that God can receive the glory that He so overwhelmingly deserves. He had this glory before the world began, and when He came here to earth through a virgin womb, He had power over everyone and had the ability to give eternal life, a power that He still possesses today.

Today, as sons and daughters of the King, we can be glorified, not in the sense of pride or entitlement, but God can be glorified in us in accordance to how we choose to live. Sometimes we do not understand why we go through certain tribulations in life, but the purpose is so God can be magnified through us. Romans 8:18 says, “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” These sufferings prophecy of a glory that is coming, and that does not necessarily mean just in eternity, but even now while we are walking on this planet in this realm. He wants to reveal His glory within us, birthing a testimony of His greatness and power so that we can help others. This power and anointing only comes with a price, one that is always worth paying! So, press through and hold onto your faith God, and that faith will produce a great reward!