John 17:20–26 — Jesus Prayer for All Believers

John 17:20–26 — Jesus Prayer for All Believers

In John 17:20–26, the Lord Jesus, our great High Priest, continues His prayer before being arrested, falsely tried, beaten, mocked, and crucified. In these verses, Jesus shifts His focus to pray for the Church Universal—every believer, regardless of location or the time they live in.
In verses 21–23, Jesus prays for the unity of all believers. This is not a false, institutional ecumenism achieved by compromising the truth. Rather, it is primarily based on the knowledge of the Holy Father revealed through the glory that the Lord Jesus gives them (v. 22). This knowledge comes from being sanctified by the truth (v. 19), which is the Word of God (v. 17). This unity is also grounded in being indwelt by God (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) and receiving His love (v. 23). This prayer was answered at Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit came upon the church (Acts 2).
In verses 24–26, Jesus concludes His great intercessory prayer by requesting the glorification of all believers, expressing His desire that they be with Him to behold His glory. This glorification, which will begin at death or the Rapture, whichever comes first (cf. John 14:2-3; 2 Cor. 5:6-8), includes being with Jesus forever (cf. Col. 3:4; 1 Thess. 4:17). Ultimately, Jesus states that He will continue to declare the Father's name so that the Father's love may be in them and Christ Himself may abide in them, ensuring they fully experience God's love.
Did you know that Jesus prayed this for you and me—for us, and for all believers of all times?