Today's Verse: John 17:1

Thursday, July 2, 2009

After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed: "Father, the time has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you."
— John 17:1
Now you can listen to Today's Verse on iTunes, Spotify, Echo devices, and more!

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

John 17:1-26 is one of the most moving chapters in the Bible. Jesus knows he is going to die. He knows he is spending his last few hours before his death on a cross with disciples. These disciples do not understand what he is about to do and why he is about to do it. Jesus has two key goals in mind as he prepares himself and his disciples for their life ahead without him:
  1. Jesus wants his disciples to be one so they can remain strong and influence the world that the Father sent Jesus to show the world his love.
  2. Jesus wants what he is about to do on the cross to bring glory to the Father, unite his disciples, and reach the lost world with the love of God.
As Jesus faced humiliation and abandonment, his chief concern and focus were to bless others. Yes, he was in agony, but he desired to honor the Father and bless others. We will also face hardships, trials, and persecutions (John 15:20). What will be our goal when we face these difficulties? Hmm? No wonder the Holy Spirit reminded us to fix our eyes on Jesus and follow his example (Hebrews 12:1-3), as we yearn to bless those who persecute and mistreat us so they can come to know our Savior (Matthew 5:10).

My Prayer...

Loving Father, I cannot fathom the mysteries of anguish and grace that touched your heart as Jesus made his way to the Cross with such honesty and selflessness. Lord Jesus, I cannot thank you enough for leaving me a powerful example of how to endure life's heaviest burdens. Holy Spirit, please use me so my life can be a blessing to others, and I can live with courage to serve and bless even in hard times. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

6 Related Resources by Heartlight

Glory for Glory
Illustration of John 17:1
Inspirational illustration of John 17:1 -- After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed: "Father, the time has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you."
The Essence of Life
Devo: What Jesus Did!
"After saying all these things, Jesus looked up to heaven and said, "Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son so he can give glory back to you. For...."
Your Invitation
Devo: A Year with Jesus
"Dear Friend, I am inviting you to spend this next year getting to know Me more completely through a daily time together in the Scriptures. Each day,...."
Your Invitation to a Year with Jesus
Article by Phil Ware
Spend a year journeying through the New Testament with Jesus. Phil Ware shares the beginning of A Year with Jesus and an invitation to join the free daily devotional and get to know Jesus more fully during the course of the year as you journey together through the New Testament.
See All 6 Related Resources about John 17:1

Illustration

Illustration of John 17:1 — After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed: "Father, the time has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you."

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Thursday, July 2, 2009

Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'Find Shelter in Him' (Ps. 37:39-40)
"The Lord rescues the godly; he is their fortress in times of trouble. The Lord helps them, rescuing them from the wicked. He saves them, and they find..."
Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Evening Thought: Genesis 3:8
"My soul, now that the cool of the day has come, retire awhile and hearken to the voice of thy God. He is always ready to speak with thee when thou art..."
Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'One with Christ' (Ga. 3:15-29)
"Dear Father, Thank you, Father, for giving your holy law to Moses and for the role it played in bringing people to Christ. Thank you even more that....."
What Jesus Did!
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
'Leaving the Crowd Behind' (Mt. 13:36-39)
"Then, leaving the crowds outside, Jesus went into the house. His disciples said, "Please explain to us the story of the weeds in the field." Jesus..."

About This Devotional

Today's Verse is a free daily devotional that includes a Bible verse, thought and prayer.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.

More Today's Verse