John 17:1-5 — Glorification — Aneel Aranha

Hello and welcome to the Bite-Sized Gospel. Today, we will reflect on John 17:1-5. Listen.

After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed: "Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you. For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him. Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do. And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began."

These verses mark the beginning of what is often called the High Priestly Prayer of Jesus. It's a profound and intimate moment where we get to listen in on a conversation between the Son and the Father. Jesus begins by acknowledging that "the hour has come." It is the hour of his passion, his death, and his ultimate victory.

And what does Jesus pray for in this crucial hour? He prays for glorification - but not in the way we might expect. He prays, "Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you." Jesus' desire for glory is not selfish or egocentric. It's rooted in his deep love for and devotion to the Father. He wants to be glorified so that he can bring glory to the Father.

This mutual glorification is tied to Jesus' mission of giving eternal life to those the Father has given him. And what is eternal life? It's not just endless existence, but a quality of life that comes from knowing God and Jesus Christ. It's a life of intimate, personal relationship with God.

Jesus then reflects on his earthly ministry. "I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do." Even before the cross, Jesus can speak of his work as finished, because his obedience to the Father has been perfect and complete.

Finally, Jesus prays for a restoration of the glory he had with the Father before the world began. This is a stunning glimpse into the eternal nature of Christ. He is not merely a human prophet or teacher, but the pre-existent Word, the second person of the Trinity.

As we reflect on this prayer, we are reminded of the importance of glory in the Christian life. It is not a glory that we seek for ourselves. It is a glory that we seek for God, a glory that comes from knowing him and making him known.

So let us ask ourselves: Is my life centered on bringing glory to God? Do I seek to know him more deeply each day? Do I marvel at the eternal nature of Christ and the invitation to share in his eternal life?

May our lives be a reflection of the glory of God, may our hearts be ever drawn to know him more, and may we find our eternal life in him.

God bless you.