We are invited to hear the prayer of Jesus, which is God addressing God - a holy moment.
1. Glory! What is it?
Hard to define. Weight, importance, fame. Sends people to the ground face-down. (Ezekiel 1:28, 2 Chronicles 7)
The definition of God is Jesus (Colossians 1, Hebrews 1). He glorifies Himself.
Jesus' "hour" that "has not come" throughout John is finally here in chapter 17. The hour for Him to glorify God. Jesus asks for the Father to give Him glory, so that He can give it right back to Him.
2. Glory! New Life
The means by which Jesus would reflect the glory of God back to God was delivering life to the dead.
The love of God is secured for us by the work of Christ on the cross. The whole purpose of the eternal life He gives us is for us to glorify Him.
3. Glory! Old Plan
The plan - giving eternal life to all whom God had given Christ - was the plan all along. God is sovereign, and He is always working for the good of His people.
Counseling tip: Don't just say "God is sovereign." When someone is hurting, say something like "I will pray for you knowing that God is all powerful and you are not meant to carry this burden alone."
Because of the glory of the gospel, we are empowered to pray boldly and expectantly. God crushed Jesus so that we would not be crushed (Isaiah 53). How will this make us live differently this year?
Revelation 1:5-6 (ESV)
"To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen."
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