John 17 20-26 2007

Easter 7

John 17: 22-26

May 20, 2007

“Glory”

Introduction: In our Gospel lesson Jesus says that He has given those who believe in Him glory...As Jesus is praying to His Father in Heaven and ours, He says, “And the glory which you gave me I have given them, that they may be one just as we are one. He goes on to say in verse 24 - Father, I desire that they also, whom you gave Me, may be with me where I am that they may behold my glory which you have given me; for you loved me before the foundation of the world.

Of course when Jesus talks about us beholding His glory we think of Heaven. We just celebrated Christ’s Ascension into Heaven. As the Son of God, who was with the Father from eternity, He had known glory, but as the Son of Man, Jesus knew no glory in this life, rather He knew the cross, and suffering. But as He ascended into Heaven as both true God and true man, the man, the human Jesus is clothed with the glory of God. When we join Him in Heaven we will behold Him in all His splendor and glory. His glory, He shares with us. Just as in this life we must bear the cross, and suffering because we have been baptized into Christ. Through baptism and faith in Jesus Christ we will share His glory

So what is this glory that Jesus has and has given to those who believe in Him? What does the word glory mean? When I hear the word glory I think of the phrase - going out in a blaze of glory. But what does that mean? Then I think of the word glory and old movie comes to mind named “Glory.” It’s about a regiment of black troops that fight in the civil war. Though they are rejected and despised because of the color of their skin, they fight with honor and valor. In the final battle they fight valiantly but are defeated - I guess you could say that they went out in a blaze of glory.

Anyway I looked up the definition of the word glory in the dictionary. Glory: 1 a) great honor and admiration won by doing something important or valuable; fame; renown b) anything bringing this 2 worshipful adoration or praise 3 the condition of highest achievement, splendor, prosperity, etc. [Greece in her glory ] 4 radiant beauty or splendor; magnificence 5 heaven or the bliss of heaven 6 a) a halo or its representation in art b) any circle of light vi. -ried, -ry ing to be very proud; rejoice; exult: with in gone to glory dead in one's glory at one's best, happiest, etc. [1]

I. That’s the Dictionary, what does God’s Word say?

A. God is glory to His people -- Psalm 3:3 But You, O LORD, are a shield for me, My glory and the One who lifts up my head. And Zechariah writes, 5 'For I,' says the LORD, 'will be a wall of fire all around her, and I will be the glory in her midst.' "

B. When we think of God’s glory “in her midst” we can only think of Jesus Christ. Christ is the glory of His people -- Isaiah 60:1 Arise, shine; For your light has come! And the glory of the LORD is risen upon you. and Luke writes, 28 he took Him up in his arms and blessed God and said: 29 "Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace, According to Your word; 30 For my eyes have seen Your salvation 31 Which You have prepared before the face of all peoples, 32 A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, And the glory of Your people Israel."

II. God’s glory is centered in Christ.

A. John 1:14 -- John 1:14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. In the book of Hebrews it is written, 9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that He, by the grace of God, might taste death for everyone...bringing many sons to glory...

III. The center of Christ’s Glory is the Cross

A. Where do we see the glory of Jesus Christ the most? A lot of people would say that Christ’s glory was seen in His miracles. Some people woud say that Jesus Christ’s glory is seen the most as HE ascends into Heaven and is now with His Heavenly Father. For us as Luthern’s though, we see Christ’s glory and the glory of Gos in a very different place. We see it the most in the cross, in Jesus suffering and death. It is found in the new covenant that is written in the blood of Jesus. St. Paul writes, 2Cor: 9 If the old covenant, ( the covenant made with Moses and the people of Israel - the Law) which brings condemnation, was glorious, how much more glorious is the new covenant, which makes us right with God! 10 In fact, that first glory was not glorious at all compared with the overwhelming glory of the new covenant. 11 So if the old covenant, which has been set aside, was full of glory, then the new covenant, which remains forever, has far greater glory.

B. The center of Christ’s glory is found in God’s mercy toward sinners for Christ’s sake. Jesus went to the cross and suffered shame and death for our sake. The Glory of God is found in the forgiveness of sins and God’s abounding grace that flows into or lives through faith in Jesus Christ and in His sacrificial death on the cross. In the movie “Glory”, the regiment of black troops fought valiantly and with honor. In the final battle they were defeated. But the war was won. Before Jesus Christ came we were deated and shamed by our sin, death, and the devil. Jesus took our defeat, the result of our sin, in His own death. Ultimately even though Jesus and God appeared to suffer defeat, with His resurrection from the dead we know that the war against death was won. God’s glory and the glory of His only Son shines in His resurrection

IV. Know the Glory of God is found in us.

This glory is yet to be revealed as we wait to join our Savior in Heaven. Now, the glory of God is found in us by the indwelling of Christ’s own Spirit. By His spirit and His Word He has created faith which trusts in Him. For His sake we possess all things. What then are we to say about these things? If God is for us who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but gave Him up for us all, will He not with Him give us all things?

Conclusion: Again we return to the definition of the word, Glory. Now when you consider this word, I want you to think about it in this way – Glory, 1 a) great honor and admiration won by doing something important or valuable; Jesus died for me. b) anything bringing this about...What Christ has done on the cross through which I know that my sins are forgiven. 2 worshipful adoration or praise...our response to God for what He has graciously done. 3 the condition of highest achievement, splendor, prosperity; we will see God and Jesus Christ in Heaven. 4 radiant beauty or splendor; magnificence; we will where crowns of glory. 5 heaven or the bliss of heaven; because of Jesus, Heaven is our home. 6 a) a halo, yours for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen!

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