All For God's Glory

John 17:1-11a

Jesus Prays to Be Glorified

17 After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed:

“Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you. ² For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him. ³ Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. ⁴ I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do. ⁵ And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began.

Jesus Prays for His Disciples

⁶ “I have revealed you to those whom you gave me out of the world. They were yours; you gave them to me and they have obeyed your word. ⁷ Now they know that everything you have given me comes from you. ⁸ For I gave them the words you gave me and they accepted them. They knew with certainty that I came from you, and they believed that you sent me. ⁹ I pray for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given me, for they are yours. ¹⁰ All I have is yours, and all you have is mine. And glory has come to me through them. ¹¹ I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you.

Jesus spoke these words at the Last Supper, but they are fitting to hear again in this interim period before Pentecost next Sunday. Jesus prepares to return to the Father, glorifying him for the mission about to be accomplished. And he continues his prayer for the loyal band he has chosen to continue his work, the Apostles and us, his chosen 2,000 years later.  When we question our calling, when we are frustrated or confused, we can turn to this prayer Jesus offered for us. He's with us in our struggles.  He will see us through. We live and work for his glory, not ours.

Bro. Rene

Dear Jesus, thank you for your loving kindness, confidence in and prayer for us. You are with us, even when we feel we are alone. Keep reminding us of your mighty presence and keep poking us to move ahead with greater confidence, trust, love and assurance. Amen.