John 17:24

John 17:24

In the midst of Jesus’ high-priestly prayer, John 17:24 channels a profound desire: Jesus asks the Father that those whom He has given Him may be with Him to behold His glory. This is not a mere wish for physical proximity; it expresses the consummation of the relationship within the Trinity and the human family God is forming through Christ. The phrase “the glory thou hast given me” points to a pre-existent, shared glory between Father and Son—a glory that Jesus has made known to His followers (John 17:22-23) and now longs for them to experience directly. The “before the foundation of the world” clause emphasizes divine initiative: love and redemption are not reactive events but eternal choices. Culturally in John’s Gospel, Jesus often clarifies that eternal life is knowing the Father and the Son (John 17:3). Here, the future participants in God’s final harvest are not only saved but transformed into the living continuity of Jesus’ mission, sharing in the divine radiance and the intimate knowledge that distinguishes the faithful.

This verse anchors the Christian hope of eschatological intimate union with the risen Christ. The glory Jesus receives is the glory He reveals to His disciples, and the Father’s desire is that believers share in that intimate visibility. It underscores key themes: unity with Christ, experiential knowledge of Jesus’ glory, and the eschatological presence of God with His people. The Trinity’s relational love is the model and source of Christian community: eternal love projected into space/time and entrusted to believers. The verse also reinforces the idea that salvation is more than forgiveness; it is participation in a transformed, continuous presence with Jesus. Anticipation of “with me where I am” shifts the Christian hope from mere future reward to present continuity—now and eternally—through faith in Christ.

Practically, this verse invites believers to live with a forward-facing hope: our ultimate destination shapes current living. How can we experience a foretaste of that glory today? By cultivating intimacy with Jesus—through prayer, Scripture, and worship—that aligns our hearts with His. It means valuing eternal realities over transient comforts and letting fellowship with Christ shape our relationships, work, and decisions. For families, it can mean praying together, inviting Jesus into daily routines, and pursuing acts of love that reflect His glory. In tough circumstances, remember that God’s plan includes a future where we behold Jesus in full clarity. This should embolden patient endurance, generous living, and a gospel-centered posture toward others. The practical cadence is simple: seek Jesus’ presence daily, trust His promises of glory, and let that hope motivate faithful, loving obedience.

Cross-References: John 14:2-3; John 17:22-23; 1 Corinthians 2:9-10; Colossians 3:4; 1 Peter 1:3-5