The complete confidence with which Jesus lived out his assignment from his Father is inspiring and compelling. How often do we long to have such confidence in living out our purpose? All along Jesus has kept his ears tuned to his Father’s voice and has simply enjoyed the company of his Father. He shows us how to listen, trust and act, moment by moment. In this 17th chapter of John he will let us hear the longings of his heart expressed to his Father.
John 17:1-5 (NLT)
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. 2 For you have given him authority over everyone. He gives eternal life to each one you have given him. 3 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. 4 I brought glory to you here on earth by completing the work you gave me to do. 5 Now, Father, bring me into the glory we shared before the world began.
John 17:1-5 (TMG)
Jesus said these things. Then, raising his eyes in prayer, he said:
Father, it’s time.
Display the bright splendor of your Son
So the Son in turn may show your bright splendor.
You put him in charge of everything human
So he might give real and eternal life to all in his charge.
And this is the real and eternal life:
That they know you,
The one and only true God,
And Jesus Christ, whom you sent.
I glorified you on earth
By completing down to the last detail
What you assigned me to do.
And now, Father, glorify me with your very own splendor,
The very splendor I had in your presence
Before there was a world.
For Reflection and Prayer:
What did you hear as you listened or read the text? Did something particular catch your attention? Bring it into conversation with Jesus.
Give yourself room for the word to affect you. What are you feeling or sensing? Gently bring this awareness into your prayer with Jesus.
What is it like for you to listen in on Jesus’ prayer with his Father? What do you notice?
Savor any consoling words or pictures as you quietly rest in God.
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