In what some have called the “most intimate revelation” of Jesus on Earth, He prays to the Father and prays for them and “those that would believe on Him through their word.” This prayer reveals so many truths that are hard to believe. Jesus reveals that “the hour has come.” This was an hour predestined from the foundation of the world.

And all the inhabitants of the earth will fall down in adoration and pay him homage, everyone whose name has not been recorded in the Book of Life of the Lamb that was slain [in sacrifice] from the foundation of the world.

(Revelation 13:8 AMPC)

Even as [in His love] He chose us [actually picked us out for Himself as His own] in Christ before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy (consecrated and set apart for Him) and blameless in His sight, even above reproach, before Him in love.

(Ephesians 1:4 AMPC)

Jesus was inviting His followers into an intimacy never before available. He was letting us in on a secret that Paul would later describe as a mystery.

The mystery of which was hidden for ages and generations [from angels and men], but is now revealed to His holy people (the saints), To whom God was pleased to make known how great for the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ within and among you, the Hope of [realizing the] glory.

(Colossians 1:26-27 AMPC)

This mystery is unpacked in great detail in Christ’s prayer to His Father.

Now to Him Who is able to strengthen you in the faith which is in accordance with my Gospel and the preaching of (concerning) Jesus Christ (the Messiah), according to the revelation (the unveiling) of the mystery of the plan of redemption which was kept in silence and secret for long ages, But is now disclosed and through the prophetic Scriptures is made known to all nations, according to the command of the eternal God, [to win them] to obedience to the faith.

(Romans 16:25-26 AMPC)

Jesus Prays to be Glorified (4:22)

Jesus defines eternal life as “to know You, the only true and real God, and to Him, Jesus [as the] Christ, whom You have sent.” Eternal life is not a point in time as much as it is a quality of relationship with God. Heaven is remaining in relationship with God. The Kingdom of God is synonymous with the King. Jesus says that He is praying for everyone that would ever come to believe in Him. In His prayer, Jesus reveals what might be the most amazing promise in all of the scriptures.

“Neither for these alone do I pray [it is not for their sake only that I make this request], but also for all those who will ever come to believe in (trust in, cling to, rely on) Me through their word and teaching, that they all may be one, [just] as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be one in Us, so that the world may believe and be convinced that You have sent Me. I have given to them the glory and honor which You have given Me, that they may be one [even] as We are one: I in them and You in Me, in order that they may become one and perfectly united, that the world may know and [definitely] recognize that You sent Me and that You have loved them [even] as You have loved Me.

(John 17:20-23 AMPC)