John 17, Part 1

Scripture: John 17:1-5

Observation: John 17 is Jesus' prayer before being taken away to be crucified. The first part of His prayer is a petition that the Father be glorified and that He also be glorified. This glory will be revealed in Jesus' death, which is the ultimate love, laying down His life. By this glorification the Son now has authority over all people to give eternal life. Eternal life to the Jewish population meant life in the age to come, through a restored relationship with God. Jesus is telling them that relationship is possible by knowing the one true God and His Son, Jesus Christ. It's not about just knowledge of God but also faith in Jesus Christ that this promise is given. Jesus then asks to return to the glory He had before the world even existed, now that His work (ministry) is complete.

Application: Even in this prayer Jesus is teaching something important. The way to eternal life is by knowing God and Christ. The Father sent the Son to reveal Himself and His love. We come to know God through Jesus. But just knowing isn't enough. We must believe. Knowledge without faith is useless. It's empty, hollow. We must believe that Christ is the One sent of God, that He is God, and only through Him can we receive forgiveness of our sins, and salvation.

Prayer: Father, You have been glorified by the life of our Lord Jesus Christ. Your Word gives me the basis to believe, but I also know in my heart that You sent Your Son to die for my sins. May my life reflect that faith. If it doesn't, it isn't true faith. I don't want to simply render lip service to You. I want to be a walking advertisement of a life dedicated to following You, the Only True God. Shine Your light through me, Lord. I want to shine for You. In Jesus' name, Amen.