Definition: And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we [are].
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from John 17:11 together. It's a really beautiful and important passage about Jesus’ purpose and relationship with God. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: Jesus is speaking to God about the future – specifically, about how He wants to unite all believers (people who follow Him) into one single group. He’s saying he'll be “no more” in the world, but that these people are still important to him and that He wants them to stay united forever. Let’s unpack it word by word: “And now I am no more in the world…” – This is a key part. Jesus isn't physically present anymore. He’s speaking about His future role and purpose. “…but these are in the world, and I come to thee.” - This means that even though He’s not here , those people who have been given to Him (the believers) are still vitally important. They're part of the whole. “Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we [are].” – This is the most significant part. "Holy Father" refers to God. The phrase “through thine own name” means Jesus is asking God to protect and guide these people. “those whom thou hast given me…” - This is a very special blessing, like a gift. Jesus is referring to the believers – all those who have been chosen by God to follow Him. “…that they may be one, as we [are].” – This is the crucial part! It means that Jesus wants all believers to become one unified group, just like He and His Father (God) are one. “As we” is a way of saying “as we are.” So, what’s the big takeaway? Jesus is asking God to keep watch over those people, to protect them, and to help them grow into unity. It's about creating a lasting, unified community of believers – a "family" that continues with Him forever. Why is this important? This verse speaks to the ultimate goal of Jesus’ life and ministry: to unite all believers in God’s eternal family. It highlights His love for humanity and His desire for everlasting fellowship with them. --- To help me explain it even better, could you tell me: What specifically are you interested in understanding? (e.g., the meaning of “give me,” or the idea of “one”?)