John 17:24

“Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.”

Context:John 17 is a chapter where Jesus prays for Himself, His disciples, and all future believers. In verse 24, Jesus specifically focuses on those who have been given to Him by the Father, expressing His desire for their presence and the privilege of seeing His glory.

Jesus addresses God as “Father,” highlighting the intimate relationship He shares with the Father. This title signifies the close bond and unity between them, emphasizing Jesus’ submission to the Father’s will.

Jesus acknowledges that the disciples and all believers are a gift from the Father. In His earthly ministry, Jesus was given a group of followers, whom He nurtured, taught, and prepared for their mission. This gift demonstrates God’s love and sovereignty in bringing people to Jesus.

Jesus desires that those given to Him by the Father would be with Him where He is. This goes beyond a physical presence and implies a deep spiritual union and fellowship with Jesus. It expresses the longing for believers to experience the fullness of communion with Christ, both in this life and in eternity.

Jesus desires that His disciples and future believers would behold His glory. The glory Jesus refers to encompasses His divine attributes, majesty, and splendor. It includes His redemptive work, His resurrection, His ascension, and His exaltation at the right hand of the Father. Through faith in Christ, believers are granted the privilege of experiencing and witnessing His glory.

Jesus mentions that the Father loved Him before the foundation of the world. This statement points to Jesus’ preexistence and His eternal relationship with the Father. It also highlights the eternal love between the Father and the Son, emphasizing the depth of God’s love for Jesus.