That They May Be One (John 17:1–13)
Gerald Largent
“That They May Be One”
Reflections on John 17:1–13
Today’s Gospel reading from John 17:1–13 draws us into one of the most sacred moments in all of Scripture: the High Priestly Prayer of Jesus Christ. On the night before His Passion, the Lord lifts His eyes to heaven and prays to the Father, revealing the deep mystery of divine love and the unity to which the human race is called.
Christ begins by saying, “Father, the hour has come.” Throughout the Gospel of John, this “hour” refers to His saving Passion, Cross, Resurrection, and glorification. The Cross is not an accident or defeat; it is the very revelation of God’s love for the world. In His voluntary suffering, Christ glorifies the Father by accomplishing the salvation of mankind.
The Lord then speaks of eternal life in words that are both simple and profound: “This is eternal life, that they may know Thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ Whom Thou hast sent.” Eternal life is not merely endless existence after death. It is communion with God Himself. To know God in the biblical sense means to live in intimate fellowship with Him, to participate in His life through grace.
This prayer reveals the heart of Christ as the Great High Priest. Unlike the priests of the Old Covenant who offered sacrifices of animals, Christ offers Himself. He intercedes not only for His disciples, but for all who will believe through their witness. Even as He approaches betrayal and crucifixion, His concern is for His people.
One of the central themes of this Gospel is unity. Christ prays “that they may be one.” This unity is not based on politics, convenience, or human agreement. It is rooted in the very unity of the Holy Trinity. Just as the Father and the Son are perfectly united in love, so the Church is called to unity in Christ.
This Gospel is especially fitting on the Sunday of the Holy Fathers of the First Ecumenical Council. The Fathers defended the truth of Christ’s divinity precisely so that the faithful might remain united in the true faith. False teaching divides because it separates humanity from the reality of who Christ truly is. The unity for which Jesus prays cannot exist apart from truth.
The Lord also says, “I have manifested Thy name unto the men whom Thou gavest Me.” In the Old Testament, God’s name signified His presence and His saving power. Christ reveals the Father perfectly because He Himself is the eternal Son. To see Christ is to behold the Father. This is why the Church treasures the doctrines preserved by the Ecumenical Councils: they protect the truth of the God whom we worship.
There is also tenderness in this prayer. Christ speaks lovingly of His disciples, saying that they have kept His word. Though weak and fearful, they belong to Him. Soon they will scatter in confusion during His Passion, yet Christ still intercedes for them. This reminds us that salvation rests not upon our perfection, but upon the mercy and faithfulness of God.
As Orthodox Christians, we hear this Gospel not as distant observers, but as participants in Christ’s prayer. Every Divine Liturgy draws us into this heavenly communion. We are called to abide in Christ, remain faithful to His commandments, and seek the unity that comes through repentance, humility, and love.
May we never forget that eternal life begins even now whenever we truly know Christ. Through prayer, the Holy Mysteries, and obedience to the Gospel, we enter into the life of the Kingdom already present among us.
From the St. Panteleimon Orthodox Christian Outreach bulletin for May 24, 2026.