Welcome back to the second episode in this series on "A Word from the Vine," entitled, "Eternal Intercession - The Unity, Sanctification, and Love of Christ's Prayer," focusing on the high priestly prayer from the Book of John Chapter 17. I'm Pastor Loren Christensen, and let's jump in to the first five verses.
The prayer begins with a profound acknowledgment of the “hour” having come. This “hour” is not merely a reference to time but signifies the culmination of Jesus’ earthly ministry—the appointed time for His suffering, death, and resurrection. It is the pivotal moment in salvation history, foreordained by God and foretold by the prophets.
“Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you” (John 17:1 ESV). In this petition, Jesus asks for the Father’s glorification through the Son. The glory Jesus seeks is not worldly honor but the manifestation of divine nature and character through the completion of His mission on earth. It is a glory that reveals the heart of God to humanity—a self-giving love that redeems and restores.
As Jesus prays for His glorification, He is, in essence, asking for the Father to shine the spotlight of heaven upon the cross. The cross, an instrument of shame and torture, becomes the exalted throne from which the King of Kings displays the full extent of divine love and justice. In this act of ultimate sacrifice, Jesus would “glorify” the Father, showcasing the holiness, mercy, and sovereignty of God.
“I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do” (John 17:4 ESV). Here, Jesus reflects on His earthly ministry. He speaks of glorifying the Father through His teaching, miracles, and compassionate acts. Every healing touch, every word of truth, every gesture of kindness was a reflection of the Father’s glory. But above all, it was His obedience to the Father’s will—culminating in His willingness to lay down His life—that brought ultimate glory to God.
The glory that Jesus speaks of is multifaceted. It is the glory of fulfilled prophecy, the glory of divine love in action, the glory of redemption and reconciliation. It is the glory that transforms lives, breaks the chains of sin, and opens the door to eternal life. Jesus’ prayer for glory is a prayer that the redemptive plan of God would be fully realized and recognized.
In these first five verses, we also see the unity between the Father and the Son. Jesus’ desire to glorify the Father and the Father’s glorification of the Son reflect a perfect harmony of purpose and essence. This unity is the foundation of the believers’ call to unity—a theme that Jesus will expand upon later in His prayer.
As we ponder these verses, we are reminded that the true measure of glory in the kingdom of God is found in obedience and self-sacrifice. Jesus sets the ultimate example: the path to exaltation leads through the valley of humility and the giving of oneself for others. In following Christ, we too are called to seek the glory that honors God, not through our achievements or accolades, but through our faithful adherence to His will and our love for one another.
Thanks for listening today. God bless you.
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