The Overlooked Prayer That Unlocks Eternity
Imagine standing in the shadow of history’s greatest moment—the night before Jesus’ crucifixion. He gathers His disciples, His heart heavy with the weight of impending suffering. But instead of pleading for His own survival, He prays for something astonishing: that those who believe in Him would be with Him in glory.
John 17:24 is a verse often overlooked in theological discourse, yet it contains profound truths about salvation, eternal life, and divine love. In this blog post, we will unlock the hidden dimensions of Christ’s longing for His people.
Jesus’ Unbreakable Desire: The Purpose of John 17:24
“Father, I desire that they also, whom You have given Me, may be with Me where I am, to see My glory that You have given Me because You loved Me before the foundation of the world.” (John 17:24, ESV)
At first glance, this verse seems like a simple request. But dig deeper, and it unveils the heartbeat of Christ’s mission: union with His people in the presence of His divine glory. This is not just a wish—it is the eternal will of the Son of God.
In this prayer, Jesus expresses:
- His longing for believers to be with Him forever.
- His desire that they see His glory.
- The eternal love that exists between the Father and the Son.
This verse serves as a window into Christ’s ultimate goal: restoring humanity to divine fellowship. It is not just about salvation from sin but about participation in divine glory.
The Glory Jesus Spoke Of: A Forgotten Dimension of Salvation
Many Christians focus on salvation as escape from hell, but Jesus frames it as entrance into glory. This shifts our perspective from a negative (avoidance of punishment) to a positive (sharing in divine splendor).
Paul echoes this in Romans 8:17:
“Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in His sufferings in order that we may also share in His glory.”
Jesus does not merely want us saved—He wants us glorified. Salvation is the doorway, but glory is the destination.
The Marriage Analogy
Consider a marriage proposal. A groom does not propose simply to prevent the bride from marrying someone else—he desires to be with her forever. Likewise, Jesus’ prayer is not merely about rescuing us from destruction but about welcoming us into a divine, eternal relationship.
The Eternal Love Between the Father and Son
One of the most profound insights in this passage is the eternal love between the Father and the Son. Jesus prays, “because You loved Me before the foundation of the world.” This phrase reveals that:
- Love existed within the Trinity before creation.
- The plan of redemption was rooted in this divine love.
- Our inclusion in Christ means we are drawn into this same love.
This challenges a common misconception: that God’s love for humanity is reactionary, based on our need for redemption. In reality, salvation is an overflow of the eternal love shared within the Trinity.
The Painter’s Overflowing Canvas
A master artist does not paint because the canvas is empty but because creativity overflows from within him. Similarly, God’s love is not a response to a void; it is an overflow of divine relationship.
Jesus’ Final Moments Before Betrayal
Jesus prays this shortly before Judas arrives with soldiers. It is His last recorded intercessory prayer before the cross. In these final moments, He does not plead for His own life but for the future of His followers. This prayer carries the weight of eternity.
The High Priestly Prayer
John 17 is known as the High Priestly Prayer because it reflects Jesus’ intercession for His people. It follows themes of unity (John 17:11), sanctification (John 17:17), and mission (John 17:18). Verse 24 is the climax—His ultimate desire.
Questions Raised by This Verse
- Why does Jesus emphasize being “with Him”?
- This reflects intimacy—salvation is not just legal justification but relational restoration.
- What does “seeing His glory” mean?
- It is experiencing the fullness of Christ’s divine nature (Revelation 21:23).
- How does this prayer guarantee eternal security?
- If Jesus prays according to the will of God (John 5:30), His requests must be fulfilled. Our place with Him is assured.
Answers That Deepen Our Understanding
- Being with Jesus is the goal of salvation.
- Glory is the inheritance of believers.
- The Father’s love for the Son is the foundation of redemption.
How This Passage Points to Jesus
Every verse in John 17 ultimately exalts Christ as:
- The Eternal Son who existed before creation.
- The Intercessor who prays for His people.
- The Glorified King who will return to gather His own.
This passage is not just about us—it is about Him. Our destiny is to be with Him, to see Him, and to be transformed by Him.
Practical Applications: Living in Light of John 17:24
1. Live With the Hope of Eternity
If Jesus desires us to be with Him, we should live in anticipation of that reality. This changes how we:
- Face suffering (Romans 8:18).
- Handle disappointment (2 Corinthians 4:17).
- Pursue holiness (1 John 3:2-3).
Daily Practice:
Meditate on eternity each morning, aligning your perspective with Christ’s prayer.
2. Reflect God’s Love in Your Relationships
Since salvation is rooted in divine love, we are called to embody that love. This means:
- Loving others sacrificially (1 John 4:19).
- Forgiving as Christ forgave us (Colossians 3:13).
- Seeking unity within the church (John 17:21).
Daily Practice:
End each day by evaluating: “Did I reflect God’s love today?”
Conclusion: A Prayer That Shapes Eternity
John 17:24 is not just a verse—it is an invitation into the eternal heart of Christ. He does not merely want us saved; He wants us with Him in glory. This changes everything.
So, the question remains: Are you living in response to this prayer?
