Union in Truth
That God’s appointed hour has arrived does not strike Jesus as an excuse for resigned fatalism, but for prayer: precisely because the hour has come for the Son to be glorified, he prays that the glorification might take place.
Jesus seems to be anticipating the state of affairs after His ascension, when the disciples are carrying on His earthly ministry. The term “world” could refer to those who oppose Jesus (see note on 16:20; compare note on 16:33). If this is the case, Jesus means that He will no longer dialogue with those who oppose Him. From this point forward, Jesus’ answers to His oppressors are minimal and straightforward; He speaks plainly (e.g., 16:25). He will go to His death in the same way as the Suffering Servant—silently (Isa 53:7).
In practical terms, no-one can be ‘sanctified’ or set apart for the Lord’s use without learning to think God’s thoughts after him, without learning to live in conformity with the ‘word’ he has graciously given.