This verse is part of what is often called Jesus’ High Priestly Prayer (John 17), which He prays just before His arrest and crucifixion. It’s a rare and intimate look into how Jesus prays to the Father—not just for Himself, but for His disciples and even for future believers (see verses 20–21).

“I will remain in the world no longer…”

Jesus is acknowledging that His earthly mission is coming to an end. He is preparing to return to the Father through the path of the cross. This is not abandonment, but fulfillment.

“But they are still in the world…”

This phrase highlights vulnerability. The disciples will face trials, persecution, and spiritual warfare. Jesus, in His love, is concerned for their safety—not physically alone, but spiritually and missionally.

“Protect them by the power of your name, the name you gave me…”

In biblical thought, God’s name represents His character, authority, and presence. Jesus is asking the Father to keep them faithful, secure, and unified under the authority of God’s identity.

“So that they may be one as we are one.”

This is extraordinary: Jesus desires the same kind of unity among believers that exists between the Father and the Son—a perfect, loving, purposeful unity. Not just organizational unity, but spiritual and relational oneness.

• Why does Jesus emphasize unity here? Because He knows division is one of the enemy’s greatest tools. A unified church reflects the love and nature of God to the world.
   
• What does it mean to be protected "by the power of your name"? It means living under God’s lordship, guided by His truth, and empowered by His Spirit.
   
• Why does Jesus pray this instead of acting directly? Because He is modeling intercession. His role as a high priest (Hebrews 7:25) continues even after His ascension—He still intercedes for us.