Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary John 17:9

"I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for those whom thou hast given me; for they are thine:" — John 17:9 (ASV)

At this point, Jesus’ intercession is confined to the Eleven who are present with him. He reminds the Father that these men are under his special care. As in his prayer at Lazarus’s grave, Jesus takes for granted the concern of the Father for the immediate need and the provision he has already made in order to meet it.