I would like to give some meditations on the five glories of Christ in John 17. In
chapter 12 Jesus closed His public ministry among the Jews, for it says, These
things Jesus spoke, and departed, and was hidden from them (v.36). The mass became
judicially hardened. Christ's words at the end of the chapter state the issue.
Even if judgment did not fall immediately, the rejection of Him and His words
meant judgment at the last day. Hence from chapter 13, He occupies Himself
alone with His disciples down to the end of chapter 16, showing that intimacy
with Him from heaven would be maintained, though they remained on earth; and
how they would be supported here in peace in testimony during His absence.
This service having been rendered to His beloved followers, His prayer to His Father
is recorded for us in chapter 17. It was spoken in their hearing that they might
have His joy fulfilled in themselves (v.13) and that they might know the place
they had in His and in His Father's affections, and have the joy that flows from it.
Into this intimacy and joy we are introduced in verse 20. In this prayer we find the
five glories referred to.