ADVENT - “God’s Glory & Our Good”
Our time together this week has centered on the prayers of Jesus, with today’s prayer being a unique one where we see Jesus in His time of need praying for Himself. Yet, even in this prayer, His burden remains others focused. Before we begin, I want to provide space for you to consider any current struggles, adversities, and challenges you face. Pray that your response to your circumstances would be that others see Christ in you.
Moments before Jesus is betrayed, arrested, and eventually crucified, we see, in John 17, Jesus doing something He rarely did - praying for Himself. He's not teaching the disciples how to pray or praying about the concerns and circumstances of others; Jesus recognizes the impending crisis and chaos coming His way and that leads Him to seek out God's presence and strength. These recorded words give us a unique behind-the-scenes glimpse of the Son praying to His Father in a time of need. Let's take a moment and consider the words of this prayer, starting in verse 1:
1 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.
In a crisis, it is natural for our prayers to turn inward and concentrate solely on our well-being, security, and self-preservation. Our requests become very "me" focused. Yet, did you notice what occupied Jesus' focus as suffering and death greeted Him at His doorstep? His concern centered on God's glory and our good.
Jesus didn't flinch even though He knew what awaited Him on the cross. His mind wasn't in a thousand different directions. Jesus recognized what He wanted. His eyes focused on one goal: for God to be glorified and us to be WITH Him. To make His desire a reality, it would require Him to lay down His life, but that didn't matter. The author Hebrews 12:2 goes as far as saying Jesus went to the cross with joy. He knew His desire was worth the sacrifice.
His request to receive glory through the cross wasn't selfish or attention-seeking but rather meek and sacrificial. He knew that humble act would bring glory to His Father and speak to the length of God's faithfulness, love, and fulfilled promises. We should imitate this posture as we face trials, endure difficulties, and navigate challenges - trusting that even with the worst that life throws our way, through faith and obedience, God can receive glory. We work for His glory, not our own.
We must understand that when God receives glory, it is always for our good. Jesus seeking the glory of the Father resulted in our salvation from sin and our ability to experience a full and vibrant life right now and in a perfect form eternally when Jesus returns. Every longing finds its fulfillment in Christ alone - our yearnings for purpose, hope, meaning, and unconditional love rest in Him.
REFLECT
Before we wrap up our time together, we want to provide you some space to respond to what we read and maybe to what God is trying to say to you. First, take a moment to process this question…How has God's glory been for your good?
Another question to consider is this…Think of a current trial, struggle, or adversity you face. How can God receive glory through your faith and obedience?
PRAYER
Father God. I'm forever grateful that Jesus provides me a way back to You by bringing You glory on the cross. It is there where find forgiveness and freedom. When I ponder the depths of Your love, my soul wells up in delight, worship, and gratitude. It is worth giving my life away and spending the rest of my days bringing You glory. Be glorified in my life. Amen.