John 17:22
And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one:
John 17:22 (KJV)
Context
John 17 records the high priestly prayer that Jesus offered just before his crucifixion. In this chapter, Jesus prayed first for himself, then for his disciples, and finally for all who would believe through their word. Verse 22 belongs to the closing portion of this prayer, where Jesus focuses on the unity of his followers.
Meaning
Jesus declares, “And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them.” The glory he received from the Father is the divine majesty and honor that he possessed from eternity. By giving this glory to his disciples, Jesus imparts to them a share in the divine life and presence. This is not the incommunicable glory of deity, but a derived glory that enables believers to participate in the relationship between the Father and the Son.
The purpose of this gift is stated clearly: “that they may be one, even as we are one.” The unity Jesus prays for is not merely organizational or external; it is deeply spiritual and relational. It mirrors the perfect unity within the triune Godhead—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—and is grounded in love, purpose, and shared relationship with God.
Biblical connections
This unity is rooted in the mutual indwelling of the Father and the Son, and it becomes a testimony to the world of Jesus’ divine mission. The perfect tense of “I have given” indicates a completed action with ongoing effect, making this unity a present reality for believers, not just a future hope.
Application
As believers, we have received the glory of Christ, which shapes our identity as children of God and calls us to live in a manner that reflects his glory. We are to pursue unity within the body of Christ, embracing diversity of gifts, backgrounds, and perspectives while focusing on the core truths that unite us. Unity is cultivated through love, humility, forgiveness, and a shared commitment to God’s Word.
Our unity also serves as a witness to the world. When believers demonstrate genuine love and oneness, it becomes a powerful testimony to the truth of the Gospel, attracting others to Christ. Yet this unity is not achieved by human effort alone; it requires dependence on the Holy Spirit, who empowers us to reflect the unity of the Godhead in our relationships.
Reflection
The glory given to us is a gift of grace, enabling us to live in unity as a reflection of the divine nature. This unity is both a gift to be received and a responsibility to be lived out. As we abide in Christ and rely on the Spirit, we participate in the eternal love and oneness that characterize the Father and the Son, bearing witness to the world and anticipating the final consummation when all things are united in Christ.
