John 17:1

"These things Jesus spoke" (NASB, Gr. tauta elalesen Iesous) clearly connects what follows with what Jesus had just been saying (cf. John 14:25; John 16:1; John 16:4; John 16:25; John 16:33). Lifting up the eyes to heaven indicated prayer, as did Jesus’ words (cf. Psalms 121:1; Psalms 123:1; Ezekiel 33:25; Daniel 4:34; John 11:41). Perhaps John included the detail of Jesus lifting His eyes toward heaven to help the reader visualize His continuing submission to His Father.

The title "Father" was, of course, Jesus’ common way of referring to God’s relationship to Himself (John 11:41; John 12:27; cf. John 17:5; John 17:11; John 17:21; John 17:24-25). The hour in view was the hour of the Son’s glorification through death, resurrection, and ascension (cf. John 2:4; John 7:6; John 7:8; John 7:30; John 8:20; John 12:23; John 12:27-28; John 12:31-32; John 13:1; John 13:31). The inevitability of an impending event did not lead Jesus simply to accept it fatalistically. This is how some believers respond in similar situations. Instead it moved Him to petition the Father that what was coming would result in God’s glory.

"As so often in Scripture, emphasis on God’s sovereignty functions as an incentive to prayer, not a disincentive." [Note: Carson, The Gospel . . ., pp. 554-5.]

Jesus asked His Father to glorify Him so He could glorify the Father. To glorify in this context means to clothe in splendor (cf. John 17:5). The only way this could happen was for Jesus to endure the Cross. Thus this petition is a testimony to Jesus’ commitment to do the Father’s will even to the point of dying on the cross. His request for glory, therefore, was unselfish. It amounted to a request for the reversal of the conditions that resulted in the Incarnation (cf. Philippians 2:6-11). Jesus requested God’s help (i.e., grace) in His sufferings, His sacrificial death, His resurrection, and His ascension. All of this was ultimately for the glory of the Father. It would magnify His wisdom, power, and love.