John 17 is often called Jesus' High Priestly Prayer. A high priest in Israel prayed for the people and offered sacrifices. Here Jesus, about to offer Himself, prays for His people. He began, Father, the time has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may also glorify you. Jesus defined eternal life as personal knowledge: This is eternal life, that they should know you, the only true God, and him whom you sent, Jesus Christ. Jesus could say, I have accomplished the work which you have given me to do.
Jesus prayed for the eleven. He had revealed the Father's name to them and given them His words. Now He was leaving them in a hostile world. He prayed, Keep them through your name. He did not ask the Father to remove them from the world, but to keep them from the evil one. He prayed, Sanctify them in your truth. Your word is truth. As the Father sent Jesus into the world, Jesus sent them.
Then Jesus widened His prayer. Not for these only do I pray, but for those also who will believe in me through their word. Every believer since the apostles is included. He prayed for their unity, that they may all be one, as the Father and Son are one. This unity is not just organization but shared life in God, which shows the world the Father's love. Jesus closed asking that believers would be with Him to see His glory, and that the Father's love would be in them.