John 17:5
And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.
John 17:5
Here Jesus appeals to the pre-incarnate glory he shared with the Father before the world began. “And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self, with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.” This is a window into the mystery of the Trinity and incarnation: Jesus, who is eternally with the Father, becomes human to accomplish salvation. The prayer recognizes that the full expression of Jesus’ identity and mission is bound to the Father’s presence and glory. In the Johannine context, glory is synonymous with divine presence, revelation, and the luminous radiance of God’s nature made visible in Jesus. The reference to “before the world was” affirms the eternal plan of salvation, not an improvisation sparked by human need.
This verse emphasizes the eternal vitality of Jesus’ identity and the unity of Father and Son. It anchors the belief that Jesus, though fully human, is pre-existent with the Father, sharing the same glory. It also highlights the paradox of the Incarnation: Jesus humbles himself to take on human nature, yet remains worthy of recognition and worship as God. Theologically, it anchors Christ’s authority and divinity while pointing toward the cross as the moment when this glory becomes accessible to humanity through atonement and resurrection. It also foreshadows the transformation of glory into the life of believers through union with Christ.
For today’s readers, this verse invites worshipful awe at the mystery of Jesus. It reminds us that Jesus did not gain status by neglecting his divine nature but by taking on humanity to redeem it. Practically, this can translate into a posture of reverent trust in Jesus’ identity, especially in times of suffering or uncertainty. Live with the awareness that our calling fits into a larger, eternal story in which Christ’s glory shines through us as we imitate him. In daily life, seek to reflect Jesus’ gentle, truthful, and self-giving character in conversations, work, and community life. Let your desires align with God’s glory rather than simple comfort or popularity.
Cross-References: John 1:14; Philippians 2:6-11; Colossians 1:15-20; Hebrews 1:3; 1 John 4:9-10