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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.comRobertson Word Pictures - John 17:1 - 17:1
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This Chapter Verse Commentaries:
Lifting up (eparas). First aorist active participle of epairō, old and common verb with ophthalmous (eyes) as in Joh 4:35; Joh 6:5; Joh 11:41.
Father (Pater). Vocative form as in Joh 16:5, Joh 16:11; Joh 11:41, Christ’s usual way of beginning his prayers. It is inconceivable that this real Lord’s Prayer is the free composition of a disciple put into the mouth of Jesus. It is rather “the tenacious memory of an old man recalling the greatest days of his life” (Bernard), aided by the Holy Spirit promised for this very purpose (Joh 14:26; Joh 16:13.). Jesus had the habit of prayer (Mar 1:35; Mar 6:46; Mat 11:25.; Luk 3:21; Luk 5:16; Luk 6:12; Luk 9:18, Luk 9:28; Luk 11:22, Luk 11:42; Luk 23:34, Luk 23:46; Joh 11:41; Joh 12:27). He prayed here for himself (Joh 17:1-5), for the disciples (Joh 17:6-19), for all believers (Joh 17:20-26). The prayer is similar in spirit to the Model Prayer for us in Mat 6:9-13. The hour for his glorification has come as he had already told the disciples (Joh 13:31.; Joh 12:23).
Glorify thy Son (doxason sou ton huion). First aorist active imperative of doxazō, the only personal petition in this prayer. Jesus had already used this word doxazō for his death (Joh 13:31.). Here it carries us into the very depths of Christ’s own consciousness. It is not merely for strength to meet the Cross, but for the power to glorify the Father by his death and resurrection and ascension, “that the Son may glorify thee” (hina ho huios doxasēi se). Purpose clause with hina and the first aorist active subjunctive.