Jesus turns specifically to intercession for His disciples. He says, 'I pray for them,' and explains that at this point He is praying for those whom the Father has given Him. He then makes the striking statement, 'All mine are yours, and yours are mine,' adding that He is glorified in them.
Jesus in Context
Jesus Prays for His Disciples
Jesus explicitly intercedes for His disciples, distinguishing the immediate focus of His prayer and describing what belongs to the Father and Son as mutually shared.
Introduction
Historical and Cultural Context
Intercession was deeply rooted in biblical religious life. Abraham, Moses, Samuel, prophets, priests, and others are portrayed praying on behalf of individuals or the people of Israel. John 17 gives an extended Gospel example of Jesus Himself interceding for His followers.
Jesus' statement that He is not praying 'for the world' in verse 9 describes the immediate scope of this portion of the prayer. It should be read within a Gospel that elsewhere says God loves the world and that Jesus was sent for its salvation.
Why It Matters
The passage allows the reader to hear Jesus praying for His own followers immediately before His arrest. It also places His disciples within the relationship between Father and Son: they belong to the Father, are given to the Son, and become people through whom Jesus says He is glorified.