Glory

CONSIDER 

Jesus references glory five times in five verses. Obviously, he wants us to understand something here. We have it as “glorify,” which is a verb, and “glory,” which is a noun. In the original common Greek language of the New Testament, four of the five times are the same word: doxazo. 

to glorify (v.) — to positively acknowledge, recognize, or esteem one’s character, nature, or attributes. In short, “to glorify” in this sense means “to affirm.” 

The final use of the word glory is a noun in Greek (doxa) and it identifies a state of high honor. 

So, Jesus’ prayer here could be paraphrased into common modern English this way:  

Father, the time has come. Affirm your Son so I may affirm you. I have esteemed your character, nature, and attributes. Do the same for me in your presence with the high honor I had with you before the world began. 

 
REFLECT 

In his prayer, Jesus asks his Heavenly Father to positively acknowledge who he is, just has he (Jesus) has been doing with his Father throughout his ministry. He asks for reciprocity, preparing to return to his place in heaven with his Father – that position of power he left when he came to us as a baby.  

This whole journey with Jesus is meant to be characterized by becoming more like him every day. Tomorrow is not guaranteed. Therefore, we should pray every day like Jesus prays here. First, live each day intent on esteeming God’s character, nature, and attributes through our words and actions. Then, asking him to continue forming us as we becoming people who LEAD people through and to Jesus.  

PRAY 

Heavenly Father, I pray the Holy Spirit in me will empower me to live the next 24 hours in a way that esteems your character, nature, and attributes. May my words and actions sound and look like Jesus. Keep forming me into a disciple who is always becoming a person who LEADS people through and to Jesus. Amen.