John 17:1-11, ...I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, for Sunday May 21, 2023

John 17:1-11, ...I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world (Version: NRSV)

Jesus Prays for His Disciples

17After Jesus had spoken these words, he looked up to heaven and said, ‘Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son so that the Son may glorify you, 2since you have given him authority over all people, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. 3And this is eternal life, that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. 4I glorified you on earth by finishing the work that you gave me to do. 5So now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had in your presence before the world existed.

6 ‘I have made your name known to those whom you gave me from the world. They were yours, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. 7Now they know that everything you have given me is from you; 8for the words that you gave to me I have given to them, and they have received them and know in truth that I came from you; and they have believed that you sent me. 9I am asking on their behalf; I am not asking on behalf of the world, but on behalf of those whom you gave me, because they are yours. 10All mine are yours, and yours are mine; and I have been glorified in them. 11And now I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one, as we are one.

Alternative translation: John 17:1-11, ...I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world (Version: The Gospels for Hearers)

1 Jesus said these things, then lifted his eyes to heaven, and said,
"Father, the hour has come.
Glorify your son so that the son may glorify you.
You have given him authority over all human lives
so that he may give eternal life
to all whom you have given to him.
Eternal life is this;
that they may know you, the only true God,
and the one you have sent - Jesus Christ.

4 I have glorified you on the earth;
I have finished the work which you gave me to do.
And now, glorify me yourself, Father,
with the glory which I shared with you before the world was.

6 I have revealed your name to the people you gave to me out of the world.
They were yours and you gave them to me
and they have kept your word.

Now they know that all you gave me is with you;
because I have given them the words you gave me,
and they have received them
and know in very truth that I came from you
and they believed that you sent me.

9 I ask about them.
I don't ask about the world,
but about the ones you gave me because they are yours.
And all mine are yours and yours are mine
and I have been glorified in them.
Both I am out of the world and they are in the world,
and I am coming to you.
Holy Father, keep them in your name which you gave to me,
so that they may be one as we are.

From “The Gospel of John”, Chapter 17, verses 1-11, in The Gospel for Hearers
(Translated from the Koine Greek by Elizabeth B. Edwards, Formatted by the Rev William A. Johnston), 2013, Diangellia Press.

What are the serious issues raised by John 17:1-11?
(An AI response: Note that AI here provides opinion, not fact and should not be taken as authoratative)

The Bible is one of the most significant and widely read books in the world, and the teachings of Jesus are particularly impactful and inspiring. John 17:1-11 is a passage from the Gospel of John in which Jesus speaks to his disciples about his relationship with God and imparts important lessons to them. While the passage has numerous insights and lessons, there are several serious issues raised in it that are worth examining.

The first significant issue raised by John 17:1-11 is the theme of unity. Jesus emphasizes the importance of unity both between himself and God and between his disciples. He acknowledges that his impending death will be a challenge for his followers but stresses that their unity and love for one another will sustain them during difficult times. This theme of unity is especially relevant in contemporary times where division and discord are increasingly common. Jesus' emphasis on unity serves as an important reminder of the importance of coming together to accomplish a common goal.

Another serious issue raised by John 17:1-11 is the concept of eternal life. Jesus talks about eternal life, defining it as an intimate relationship with God. This emphasis on eternal life is significant as it prompts individuals to question their larger purpose. The concept of eternal life encourages people to consider life beyond the physical world and their ultimate destiny. Imparting the idea of eternal life is not only just the belief in the afterlife, but it's about finding meaning, purpose, and direction to live a righteous life.

A third serious issue addressed in John 17:1-11 is the idea of glorifying God. Jesus talks about glorifying God through his actions and words, emphasizing that his primary goal is to fulfill God's will. This emphasis on glorifying God is a profoundly significant issue for Christians as it highlights the importance of setting priorities, values and seeking to live a life aligned with God's will rather than personal interests. It requires people to lead a humble and selfless life rather than seeking gratification and materialistic things.

In conclusion, the passage of John 17:1-11 is rich in substance and offers many serious issues that are worth examining. The themes of unity, eternal life, and glorifying God are powerful lessons that have broad significance and relevance for contemporary times. Jesus’ teachings are profound and inspire us to lead a life of value and purpose, centered on one's relationship with God and others. By reflecting on these teachings, individuals can become better people, improve their lives, and create a more harmonious world.

Some questions raised by the text:

  • Who is Jesus talking to?
  • Who was the evangelist talking to?
  • There seem to be two themes at work here: one about the WORD and the other about the WORLD. Remember the opening to John's gospel where he makes much of the Word "made flesh". Now John comes back to that theme towards the end of the gospel. And John also makes much of the importance of being in the World. Jesus is about to make his exit -- but now it is time for the disciples to shine in the world.
  • This passage, as so much in John's writing, is not direct speech; it is poetry; it is approaching deep truths in a roundabout way. In the words of the poet Emily Dickinson, John is telling it "slant". When preaching on passages like this try to find "the vibe".
  • What is being in the world all about? Are we standing in for Jesus? How do we do that? Do we need help?

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