Witnessing Jesus' Glory

Introduction:

Jesus’ prayer to the Father has had four movements.

He has prayed for restored glory with the Father.

He has prayed for a continued relationship between his disciples and the truth.

This is doctrinal and behavioral.

He has prayed for the unity of his disciples.

He has prayed for the Father to keep his disciples in his name.

Now, we will see the conclusion of this prayer.

Jesus will continue to assure his disciples of truths he has taught them through letting them hear him pray to the Father.

Prayer as a teaching tool.

What will we do in eternity?

Are you looking forward to being with Jesus?

If so, why?

Assurance of Being With Him

We first need to note the structure.

Notice the similarities between the language of this petition and John 14:1-3 “Μὴ ταρασσέσθω ὑμῶν ἡ καρδία· πιστεύετε εἰς τὸν θεὸν καὶ εἰς ἐμὲ πιστεύετε. ἐν τῇ οἰκίᾳ τοῦ πατρός μου μοναὶ πολλαί εἰσιν· εἰ δὲ μή, εἶπον ἂν ὑμῖν ὅτι πορεύομαι ἑτοιμάσαι τόπον ὑμῖν; καὶ ἐὰν πορευθῶ καὶ ἑτοιμάσω τόπον ὑμῖν, πάλιν ἔρχομαι καὶ παραλήμψομαι ὑμᾶς πρὸς ἐμαυτόν, ἵνα ὅπου εἰμὶ ἐγὼ καὶ ὑμεῖς ἦτε.”

Jesus explains why he wants his disciples to be with him.

We will be observing his own glory.

When we think about our future, what do we consider?

What interests do we have? What people do we wish to see? The Bible does not address seeing former relatives and acquaintances. But, we can say with absolute certainty that we will see Jesus as he is.

1 John 3:1-3.

Colossians 3:1-2.

How much does seeing Jesus in his glory factor into our own thoughts about the future?

Would it not stand to reason that God’s people would want to show Jesus proper recognition.

Consider this from the perspective of vindication on the other side of a difficult, tribulation filled life.

The glory of Jesus contrasts greatly with his earthly life.

John 1:9-11.

The Love of the Father for Christ among Us.

John 17:25 begins the final movement of this prayer.

Notice that Jesus refers to the Father as “Righteous Father.”

Perhaps he intentionally strikes the tone of vindication here.

1 Peter 2:23.

This is the only time Jesus uses these words.

He now goes through the differences between the world, himself, and the disciples.

Jesus has prayed for restored unity between himself and the Father, ie. restored glory.

He has prayed for the unity of his disciples in his absence.

Now, he prays that his disciples will be with him.

If he is going to be with the Father, we too will be with the Father.

He has made known the Father so that while we await the Father’s vindication, we may love one another as the Father loves the Son.