“After saying all these things, Jesus looked up to heaven and said, “Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son so he can give glory back to you. For you have given him authority over everyone. He gives eternal life to each one you have given him. And this is the way to have eternal life—to know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, the one you sent to earth. I brought glory to you here on earth by completing the work you gave me to do. Now, Father, bring me into the glory we shared before the world began.” John 17:1-5
Some would read this and think — Jesus had a pretty big ego! Comparing himself with God! Having “authority over everyone”! Even “before the world began”! Come now Jesus!
Yet for believers, this affirms who Jesus is as one who came from heaven, who was with God in the beginning (John 1), who has authority over all people, and who gives eternal life to everyone who believes in him. To Christ-followers — this is awesome!
Yet millions either haven’t heard this good news or refuse to believe it. The good news of God’s amazing grace and salvation is available to all. And what is eternal life? Jesus tells us — “to know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, the one you sent to earth.” We gain eternal life by believing in God, in Jesus, and by following them!
Jesus doesn’t say all these things to boost his ego — he says them matter of fact, because he believes they are true. He says them because they contain truth about who he is and what he has to offer the world. Jesus receives glory from the Father for who he is and what he is does. Glory returns to the Father from the Son and the two continue to love and affirm one another.
And the great thing about all this is that we are included! We too can have eternal life. We too can believe, know Jesus, and be known by God. We too can walk in step with the Christ and discover the purpose of our lives. He who has been given all authority receives all glory in return. It’s our job to follow and believe.
Have you done this today?
“Come now, Lord Jesus. Be glorified in this place. Help us to find truth in your word and life in your name. Thank you for this time and place and for doing a work of revival and salvation in my midst. Even though I am like Jonah at times and run the other way— you won’t let me go! You redeem and restore your people. Come now, Holy Spirit, make your home in me. Glorify yourself for you are worthy of all glory, honor and majesty. For you are good and your love endures forever.” Amen