This is Eternal Life

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Scripture: John 17:1-5 (NIV)

When Jesus had spoken these words, he lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, “Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you, since you have given him authority over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do. And now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had with you before the world existed.

Devotion:

In John 17:1-5, we are privileged to witness a profoundly significant moment of prayer to the Father. This passage, often referred to as the High Priestly Prayer, provides a profound insight into the heart of Jesus as he nears the culmination of his earthly ministry. It unveils the intimate relationship between the Father and the Son and underscores the central theme of eternal life.

Jesus initiates this pivotal moment by acknowledging that the hour of his sacrificial death and subsequent glorification has arrived. He prays for the Father to glorify him so that he, in turn, may glorify the Father. This mutual glorification is a powerful testament to the unity and divine purpose shared between them, a unity that we are invited to partake in.

As Jesus articulates, eternal life is not a mere continuation of existence, but a profound knowledge of the only true God and Jesus Christ, whom God has sent. This knowledge is not a mere intellectual understanding, but a deep, personal, and transformative relationship that brings life. Jesus, with authority over all flesh, bestows this eternal life, emphasizing that it is a gift from God to those whom the Father has given to the Son.

Jesus, in reflection, affirms the completion of his earthly mission, glorifying the Father. This mission, which includes revealing God's nature, teaching the truth, and ultimately providing the means of salvation through his death and resurrection, is now fulfilled.

Finally, Jesus prays to be restored to the glory he shared with the Father before the world existed, pointing to his pre-existence and divine nature. This request signifies the culmination of his redemptive work and his return to the heavenly realm.

As we meditate on these verses, we are reminded of God's profound love and purpose in sending Jesus to bring us into an eternal relationship with Him. Let us not be complacent, but rather eagerly seek to know God more deeply and glorify Him in our lives, just as Jesus did. This is the path to true spiritual growth and joy.

Prayer:

            Heavenly Father, thank you for sending Jesus so we might experience eternal life by believing in His name. Sometimes, we fallible humans attempt to add or subtract things from what Jesus clearly teaches in this scripture. Teach us to teach others the simplicity and clarity of the gospel message. Please help us understand that you do indeed want as many to be saved as possible. You have chosen those you appointed to eternal life before the creation of the world. Let us lead all people to make their decision about Jesus. Amen

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