This Is Eternal Life: Knowing the Father and Jesus Christ (John 17:1-11)
Eternal life is not merely living forever. According to Jesus, it is knowing God the Father and Jesus Christ in a deep, personal relationship. This profound truth is revealed in one of the most beautiful prayers in the entire Bible — the High Priestly Prayer of Jesus in John 17.
If you have ever wondered what eternal life really means or how to know God personally, this passage holds the answer.
Gospel Reading: John 17:1-11
| When Jesus had spoken these words, he lifted up his eyes to heaven and said, “Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you, since you have given him power over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work which you gave me to do; and now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory which I had with you before the world was made. “I have manifested your name to the men whom you gave me out of the world; they were yours, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. Now they know that everything that you have given me is from you; for I have given them the words which you gave me, and they have received them and know in truth that I came from you; and they have believed that you sent me. I am praying for them; I am not praying for the world but for those whom you have given me, for they are yours; all mine are yours, and yours are mine, and I am glorified in them. And now I am no more in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are one.” |
The True Glory of the Cross
In this prayer, Jesus speaks repeatedly about “glory.” However, the glory He refers to is not worldly success or power. It is the glory of the Cross — His complete obedience to the Father and the total gift of His life out of love for us.
On the Cross, God reveals the depth of His love for sinners. Jesus’ willing sacrifice cancels the debt of sin and opens the way to new and eternal life. Through His obedience, Jesus gives the Father the highest honor and glory.
The Cross is not a defeat — it is the greatest revelation of God’s love and the pathway to eternal life.
What Is Eternal Life?
Jesus gives a clear and powerful definition:
“And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.” (John 17:3)
Eternal life is much more than endless existence. It is qualitative rather than merely quantitative. It means sharing in the very life of God — a personal, loving relationship with the Father and the Son through the Holy Spirit.
When we know God personally, we begin to experience His peace, joy, and love even in this present life. This is the “abundant life” Jesus promised (John 10:10).
Knowing God Personally – The Heart of Christian Faith
In Christianity, faith is not just believing in a set of doctrines. It is entering into a personal relationship with God as our loving Father.
Jesus is the perfect revelation of the Father. Through His life, teachings, and especially His death on the Cross, we see exactly what God is like — merciful, sacrificial, and generous beyond measure.
To know God is not simply to know about Him. It is to experience Him as the Father who knew us before we were born and who desires intimate friendship with us. This personal knowledge of God is the very heart of eternal life.
Jesus Prays for Our Unity
In this moving prayer, Jesus does not only pray for His first disciples. He also prays for all future believers — including you and me.
He asks the Father to:
- Keep us in His name
- Protect us in the world
- Make us one, just as He and the Father are one
This unity in love among believers is a powerful witness to the world that we truly belong to Christ. Jesus’ prayer continues to intercede for the Church today.
A Call to Prayer Today
Lord Jesus Christ, You prayed that we might know the Father and share in the divine life You have with Him. Open my heart today to know You more deeply — not only with my mind, but with my whole being.
Draw me into a personal and intimate relationship with the Father through the Holy Spirit. Keep me faithful in this world and help me to live in unity and love with my brothers and sisters in faith.
Jesus, I long to be one with You. Unite my heart to Yours. Amen.
Prayer of St. Francis de Sales (1567–1622)
“If only I possessed the grace, good Jesus, to be utterly at one with You! Amidst all the variety of worldly things around me, Lord, the only thing I crave is unity with You. You are all my soul needs. Unite, dear friend of my heart, this unique little soul of mine to Your perfect goodness. You are all mine; when shall I be Yours? Lord Jesus, my beloved, be the magnet of my heart; clasp, press, unite me forever to Your sacred heart. You have made me for Yourself; make me one with You. Absorb this tiny drop of life into the ocean of goodness whence it came.”
Conclusion
Eternal life is not a distant reality reserved for the future. It begins the moment we enter into a personal relationship with God the Father and Jesus Christ. The prayer of Jesus in John 17 is both a revelation and an invitation — an invitation to know God deeply and to live in the unity of love He desires for His Church.
Will you accept this invitation today?
Take a few moments in prayer and ask the Lord to help you know Him more personally. Eternal life is closer than you think.