John 15:8 – Acts 6:7
Overview
Our reading today includes the final words of Jesus from the Gospel of John and then turns us towards the book of acts and the story of the early church. John’s Gospel includes Jesus’ prayer for His Glory, his disciples, and for all believers. We also read a detailed account of the arrest, trial and crucifixion of our Lord. The last 2 chapters of John involve many witnesses seeing and interacting with Jesus after his resurrection. The Ascension of Jesus does not take place in John, but is written in the first Chapter of Acts. We learn in Acts that the Holy Spirit comes upon the disciples on the day of Pentecost giving power to testify and do the work of Christ. We see a transition from the Old system of the law to a new system that involves believing and grace. No longer was God in a temple, rather His Holy Spirit came into the hearts of the believers. The first 6 chapters of Acts include the Ascension of Jesus, the Holy Spirit coming at Pentecost, Peter and John on trial, and the addition of 7 disciples for the Ministry of Christ.
Scripture John 17:1-5
1 After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed:“Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you. 2 For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him. 3 Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. 4 I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do. 5 And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began.
Observation
While Jesus was living here on earth he glorified God through his sinless life, unconditional love, compassion, knowledge of the scriptures, obedience to the Father, healing, miracles and much more. Now, Jesus will Glorify Himself and the Father by fulfilling the scriptures and serve as the perfect lamb of God who will take away the sins of the world. Through this act, Jesus death offers eternal life for those who put their faith in Him. Jesus’ prayer acknowledges that He was sent from God to do the finished work on the cross. Jesus has glorified the Father and is asking God to glorify him in the Lords presence just as he did before the world was created.
Application
How awesome is it that Jesus planned to be our savior before the world was created! Our Lord’s love for His creation runs deeper than could ever understand. Jesus is the perfect example for our lives in that He instructed us with his words but also through his actions. He ultimately displayed the depth of his love for us through His sacrifice. Jesus had a very difficult mission here on earth. There are times when delivering God’s message to the lost will be difficult for us as well. While these difficulties do not compare to the anguish and suffering our Lord experienced, we can rely on the fact that Jesus prevailed his suffering and is now in glory with our Heavenly Father. We too may have difficulties that may never seem to leave us. God wants us to prevail and be a testimony through our trials so they will glorify Him. One day our problems and challenges will leave us and we will stand in the presence of our Lord & Savior.
Prayer
Father thank you that Jesus didn’t give up. Help my thoughts and my actions reflect your Son. Thank you for the eternal life we have because our sins have been paid for by the blood of the perfect lamb.
