John 17:2
As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him.
John 17:2
In this high priestly prayer, Jesus asserts that the Father has given him authority over all flesh to grant eternal life to those given to him. This reflects early Christian belief in the sovereignty of Christ’s kingship, the universal scope of his salvific mission, and the intimate relationship between the Father’s gifting and Jesus’ granting of life.
This verse anchors the doctrine of eternal life in relationship with Jesus. It emphasizes the Trinity’s cooperative work: the Father gives people to the Son, and the Son grants life to them. It also addresses the unity of salvation’s source and the scope of redemption, highlighting that life is eternal precisely because it is personal—knowing God and Jesus.
Consider how you receive eternal life: through relationship with Jesus. Practical steps: invest time in knowing God and Jesus more deeply—through prayer, Scripture, and community. Share the good news confidently, knowing that God desires all to come to life in him. If you’re a believer, live as one who has received abundant life and extends it to others through acts of mercy and truth.
Cross-References
- John 14:6
- Romans 8:29-30
- 1 John 5:11-12
- Titus 1:2