Definition: And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this beautiful and profound verse from John 17:5. It's a really important part of understanding Jesus’ relationship with God. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, Jesus is saying: “Father, I want you to shine or show off your glory – your power and amazing qualities – to me. I was given something special before the world even started to exist.” Let's unpack that a little further: "And now, O Father..." : This is Jesus addressing God. It’s a way of saying “Hey, remember me?” "...glory which I had with thee..." : This refers to something he had – his divine nature and power – before the beginning of time. Think of it as his perfect state, his inherent goodness. "...before the world was." : This is the key part! It means that this glory existed before humanity (and all life) ever came into being. It’s a point of origin. What does this mean practically? This verse speaks to Jesus' complete unity with God. It’s not just about him being close to God; it’s about him having a unique, perfect, and divine state before the world was created. It suggests: Jesus’ Divinity: He is fully God – the same God that created everything. Complete Perfection: He wasn't just part of God, but he was the perfect embodiment of God’s nature. A Gift of Glory: This isn’t just about him being special; it’s about his own glory shining through him. In a nutshell, it’s a statement of complete and perfect union with God – a divine being who is utterly radiant. --- Do you want me to explain any part of this verse in more detail? For example: We could talk about the symbolism behind "glory" - what does it represent? We could explore its significance within the context of Jesus' teachings?