Albert Barnes Commentary John 17:4

"I glorified thee on the earth, having accomplished the work which thou hast given me to do." — John 17:4 (ASV)

Have glorified you. In my instructions and life. See His discourses everywhere, the whole tendency of which is to put honour on God.

I have finished the work . When He says, "I have finished," He probably means to include His death also.

All the preparations for that death were made. He had preached to the Jews; He had given them full proof that He was the Messiah; He had collected His disciples; He had taught them the nature of His religion; He had given them His parting counsel, and there was nothing remaining to be done but to return to God.

We see here that Jesus was careful that His great and important work should be done before His dying hour. He did not postpone it to be performed just as He was leaving the world. So completely had He done His work, that even before His death He could say, "I have finished the work."

How happy would it be if men would imitate His example, and not leave their great work of life to be done on a dying bed! Christians should have their work accomplished, and when that hour approaches, have nothing to do but to die, and return to their Father in heaven.