John 17:1
These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee:
John 17:1
Jesus lifts his eyes to heaven and prays, recognizing the hour has come. The prayer of glory is about revealing the Father’s character through the Son’s work. “Glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee” ties Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection to the ultimate purpose of God’s fame and the revelation of divine mercy. The request is not for personal comfort but for the accomplishment of salvation’s plan.
This verse centers on the theology of glorification: Jesus seeks to bring glory to the Father through the fulfillment of his redemptive mission. It also underscores the intimate relationship within the Trinity and the cooperative nature of salvation. The authority given to Jesus to give eternal life (in the next verse) is connected to this moment of glory and mission.
Reflect on how God’s glory intersects your life. Consider how your choices reflect God’s character. Practical steps: pursue integrity in small things, pursue justice and mercy in relationships, and testify to God’s work in your life so others may see God’s glory in ordinary days.
Cross-References
- John 12:23-28
- Hebrews 2:9-10
- 1 Corinthians 10:31
- Philippians 2:9-11