John 17:2

In this verse is contained a third expresse Argument pressing his petition; it is taken from the trust committed to him, and that the Father had given him authority over all persons, to order and dispose of them so, as he might bring about the salvation of the Elect. And therefore he desires to be glorified, that he may be answerable to that trust: That the Father would bear him through in suffering, that so he may purchase eternal life to them, and would glorifie him after his sufferings, in his exaltation in heaven, that he might perfect his work, and exerce that power and authority, and apply his purchase, for the actual salvation of the Elect. So the Argument contains a second subordinate end which he propounds in his prayer, namely, the glorification of the Elect, which also is a mean of his glorifying of the Father, who delights to be glorified in their salvation. Whence learn, 1. It is Christs great care, next unto his Fathers glory, to discharge his trust faithfully, in order to the eternal welfare of his own; Therefore doth he make it an Argument why the Father should glorifie him, that he may discharge this trust. 2. Such as are entrusted and employed by God, may expect that he will not desert them in the discharge of their trust, when they come and employ him by humble confident prayer; for, Christ in prayer expects, that the Father, as he hath given him this power, &c. will glorifie him, that he may do what is committed to him. 3. Christ, even as Mediatour, hath soveraign power and authority over all things, so that they are but frail flesh before him, and he may dispose of them as he will: for, there is power, or, authority, over all flesh, given to him by the Father, or a donative power and Kingdom as Mediatour. He restricts this power to all flesh, not secluding all other things which are under his power, Matth. 11.27. and 28.18. John 3.35. but comprehending them under those, as being the great visible obstructers of his peoples happinesse. 4. Beside the power given unto Christ over all creatures, there are a certain number of men given by the Father unto Christ in the Covenant of Redemption, that he may redeeme, take charge of, and be forth coming for them: for, there are here some thus given him, of which more, v. 6. See Joh. 6.37, 38, &c. 5. Life eternal is that which Christ intends for his people, and he will never rest satisfied, till he crown his other mercies to them with putting them in possession thereof; for, it is his aime here, to give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him. 6. Life eternal is a gift peculiar only to the Elect who are given to Christ, and is conferred only upon them, and upon all of them; for, he gives eternal life to as many, or, to all thou hast given him, and to none else. 7. Whatever be the gracious endowments conferred upon the Elect within time, yet eternal life is a free gift unto them; for, he gives eternal life to as many at thou hast given him. 8. It may confirme the Elect, who are drawn to Christ, in the certain expectation of eternal life, that the dispensation thereof is committed unto Christ their Head and Surety; for, thou hast given him authority, that he should give eternal life. 9. It doth yet further confirme their saith, that it is by the consent and appointment of the Father, that Christ hath this dispensation, and doth let forth all these proofes of love which they feele; for, saith he, thou hast given him power, that he should give eternal life. 10. The accomplishment of the Elects society, in bringing them to heaven, is a work of no small difficulty; for, it requires a Mediator so eminently qualified, with power over all flesh, to bring it about. 11. There is in Christ sufficient ground of confidence, that he will save his own, whatever difficulties be in the way. He hath not only sufficient merit to purchase it, and wisdome, fidelity, love and care, to guide them in the way to it; but power also to draw them in and hold them in, and power over all things that might impede or promove their salvation, to dispose of them so, as they may be subservient to that great work: for, Thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him.