Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary John 17:24

"Father, I desire that they also whom thou hast given me be with me where I am, that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world." — John 17:24 (ASV)

The final aspect of eternal life relates to ultimate destiny. The final attainment is to be with Christ (cf. 14:3) and to observe his glory. The disciples have witnessed his incarnate life, which was a humiliation, voluntarily accepted for their sakes. Its process was epitomized by Jesus’ action at the Last Supper, when he took the place of a servant to wash the disciples’ feet (13:1–15). Now, on the eve of being “glorified,” he desires the disciples to see him as he really is (see also 1Jn 3:2). “Before the creation of the world” is a further assertion of Christ’s preexistence. This shows that the binding power of unity in the Triune God is love.