Jesus said these things, then lifting up his eyes to heaven, he said, “Father, the time has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may also glorify you; even as you gave him authority over all flesh, so he will give eternal life to all whom you have given him. This is eternal life, that they should know you, the only true God, and him whom you sent, Jesus Christ.” John 17:1-3 WEB 

John records the longest prayer of Jesus in chapter seventeen of his gospel account. Approaching his sacrificial death, Jesus prays for God to glorify him as he acknowledges the authority given to him by the Father to impart eternal life on those who believe in him and obey the will of God.

The word “know” in this passage indicates an intimate relationship with the Father. It is not passive but an active relationship of deep reverence and obedience to the will of God. As Christ says in Matthew 5:17, “Don’t think that I came to destroy the law or the prophets. I didn’t come to destroy, but to fulfill. WEB”

The Importance of Repentance

As Jesus says in Luke 5:32, “I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. WEB” Eternal life is a gift from God. We receive it by the grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ. It is, however, critical that believers understand the importance of repentance. Receiving salvation by faith, we turn from sin and live in obedience to the word of God.

We do not need to fear the people and circumstances of this world. Jesus Christ has final authority. Through faith, we belong to Christ. Through Christ, we know the only true God and receive eternal life.

Our Savior knew that great difficulty was ahead, and yet, Jesus glorified God, and God glorified him. In obedience to the will of the Father, Jesus defeated sin and death on the cross. Saved by faith, let us live in obedience, spreading the good news of man’s reconciliation to the only true God.

Yesterday’s Devotional: I Will Strengthen You