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281. Jesus Prays To the Father About Himself

John 17:1-5
Key Verse: "Now this is eternal life: that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom You have sent."
John 17:3

Earlier in the evening, when Judas left the dinner, Jesus gave an interesting response after the door was closed. "Now is the Son of Man glorified and God is glorified in Him. If God is glorified in Him, God will glorify the Son in Himself, and will glorify Him at once.” (John 13:31-32) Judas was on his way to betray Jesus and Jesus’ response seems to be to rejoice that now, God and He will be glorified. It reminds me of Jesus' beatitudes in which He says, "Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven." (Matthew 5:10-12A) Jesus really means it!

Now, in the opening words of His prayer, Jesus again talks of bringing God Glory. "Father, the time has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son may glorify You." (John 17:1B) Jesus’ whole life on this earth has been about bringing His Father glory. "I have brought You glory on earth by completing the work You gave Me to do." (John 17:4)

This is so amazing. The trinity was already basking in glory. If God had been an unfeeling, uncaring creator, Jesus could have just stayed home, enjoying the glory that already existed and none of us would have been the wiser. That, however, is the point. Jesus came so that by demonstrating God's glory some would be attracted to Him and be granted eternal life. By living eternally with Him, through belief in Jesus, we are welcomed into the inner circle of God's glory. Leaving God's glory in heaven and bringing it to us, was worth it to God. That's how much He loves us. "And now Father, glorify Me in Your presence with the glory I had with You before the world began." (John 17:5) See, He didn't need us, but He wanted us to be a part of Him.

After being the beneficiary of that kind of lavish love, it would be good to consider how we can reciprocate. Jesus was concerned that His life and actions bring His Father glory. Are we that concerned about our own behavior on this earth? Do we bring God glory by what we say and do, by our attitudes and our moods? Jesus was excited to bring His Father glory, though He would have to suffer much to accomplish it. He even rejoiced when Judas left, knowing that Judas would set events in motion that would give Jesus the chance to bring glory to His father through His suffering. In turn, as He glorified His Father, He knew that His Father would glorify Him. Could that also be true of us? Could we be used to reflect God's glory? Amazing! Do you pray about your actions, that what you do will bring God glory, even your suffering?

Hymn: "God the Father, God the Son"

Give You Glory, Jeremy Camp 

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