Verses 23–27
Asking of the Father shows a sense of spiritual wants, and a desire of spiritual blessings, with
conviction that they are to be had from God only. Asking in Christ's name, is acknowledging our
unworthiness to receive any favours from God, and shows full dependence upon Christ as the Lord
our Righteousness. Our Lord had hitherto spoken in short and weighty sentences, or in parables,
the import of which the disciples did not fully understand, but after his resurrection he intended
plainly to teach them such things as related to the Father and the way to him, through his intercession.
And the frequency with which our Lord enforces offering up petitions in his name, shows that the
great end of the mediation of Christ is to impress us with a deep sense of our sinfulness, and of the
merit and power of his death, whereby we have access to God. And let us ever remember, that to
address the Father in the name of Christ, or to address the Son as God dwelling in human nature,
and reconciling the world to himself, are the same, as the Father and Son are one.
Verses 28–33
Here is a plain declaration of Christ's coming from the Father, and his return to him. The
Redeemer, in his entrance, was God manifest in the flesh, and in his departure was received up into
glory. By this saying the disciples improved in knowledge. Also in faith; “Now are we sure.” Alas!
they knew not their own weakness. The Divine nature did not desert the human nature, but supported
it, and put comfort and value into Christ's sufferings. And while we have God's favourable presence,
we are happy, and ought to be easy, though all the world forsake us. Peace in Christ is the only true
peace, in him alone believers have it. Through him we have peace with God, and so in him we have
peace in our own minds. We ought to be encouraged, because Christ has overcome the world before
us. But while we think we stand, let us take heed lest we fall. We know not how we should act if
brought into temptation; let us watch and pray without ceasing, that we may not be left to ourselves.
Chapter 17
Chapter Outline
Christ's prayer for himself. (1–5)
His prayer for his disciples. (6–10)
His prayer. (11–26)Verses 1–5
Our Lord prayed as a man, and as the Mediator of his people; yet he spoke with majesty and
authority, as one with and equal to the Father. Eternal life could not be given to believers, unless
Christ, their Surety, both glorified the Father, and was glorified of him. This is the sinner's way to
eternal life, and when this knowledge shall be made perfect, holiness and happiness will be fully