Jesus' Prayer - 1

At the last supper, which was the annual celebration of the Passover, that is Israel's deliverance from slavery in Egypt, Jesus reminded his disciples of several things. He washed their feet as a symbol of his service to them and the rest of mankind. He reminded them to love one another. He explained the coming of the Holy Spirit. He reminded them of his mission to be the Passover Lamb that delivers from sin, and condemnation. He reminded them that they needed to depend on him, the Father, and the Holy Spirit. He instituted another celebration, like the Passover, only this celebrated the deliverance from the slavery to sin.

Finally, at the close of the Passover meal, before going to Gethsemane, and getting arrested, he prays.  He expresses his heart to the Father. Many scholars refer to this prayer as the "High Priestly Prayer," because Jesus prays for those who follow him, as his representative. It certainly seems that, because of what he knows is coming, and how soon it is coming, he is praying what is utmost in mind, and heart.

He begins by recognizing that God's plan to bring salvation, and redemption, to all peoples is nearing completion. He asks the Father to glorify Jesus -- through his suffering, death, and resurrection, which is the culmination of his plan -- and that the glory, which Christ receives, may cause greater glory for the Father.

The Cross will bring great glory to the Father, because it will result in billions coming to the Father, to have restored relationships with the Father, Son, and Spirit, to have new lives, and to set in motion a movement that will change the world by changing people, who choose to enter into relationship with Father, Son, and Spirit, and become part of God's family.

Jesus will be glorified by completing his part in God's plan. He will be given glory in heaven, and on earth. He will be glorified as God's family continues the mission, by continuing to expand God's family on earth, by continuing to represent God's character by living as Jesus lived, and loving as Jesus loved.