6 “I have manifested your name to the people whom you gave me out of the world. Yours they were, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. 7 Now they know that everything that you have given me is from you. 8 For I have given them the words that you gave me, and they have received them and have come to know in truth that I came from you; and they have believed that you sent me. 9 I am praying for them. I am not praying for the world but for those whom you have given me, for they are yours. 10 All mine are yours, and yours are mine, and I am glorified in them. (John 17:6-10 ESV)
There is an unmistakable connection between knowing Jesus, following God's teachings, and bringing glory to God.
Jesus reveals God to his disciples (verses 6-8): Jesus explains that he has made God's character known to the disciples, whom God entrusted to him. They understand that Jesus' teachings come directly from God.
Jesus prays for his disciples (verses 9-10): Jesus clarifies that he's praying for his disciples, not the world in general. He emphasizes the unity between himself and the Father – what belongs to one belongs to the other. Jesus finds glory in his disciples because they reflect him and God.
When we accept Jesus (we become part of God's family) and strive to follow God's commandments through Jesus' teachings (we become Jesus' disciples), we glorify God. So by following God's teachings, we live in a way that reflects Jesus, who perfectly embodied God's will.
While the concept is clear, living it out is really difficult. Here's why:
Selective Application: We choose which teachings to follow based on convenience or cultural norms.
Doubting God's Goodness: Difficulties in life lead us to question God's intentions.
Because living in obedience to the commands of Jesus is challenging, Jesus intercedes for us. God is holy and demands his people give him complete obedience. However, his love for his children motivates him to provide a solution. That solution is Jesus' death on the cross. In his sacrifice, our sins are absolved. Paid for in full by God himself so we can live giving glory to God by clinging to Jesus. But the good news for us continues, Jesus is also praying for us, seeking God's help in our ongoing struggle to obey God.
Let's pray for the strength to apply God's truths and commands in our lives, bringing glory to God through our actions.
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