After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed: “Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you. For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him. Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do. And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began. John 17:1-5

“Father, the hour has come.” With these words Jesus goes to his Father in prayer. In the final hours before his arrest Jesus has gathered together with his disciples. He has shared a meal, washed their feet, and now prays for them. It’s his final act before he walked across the Kidron Valley to Gethsemane. In what is often called the High Priestly Prayer, Jesus prayed that he would glorify the Father in what was to come.  It’s an intimate window into the relationship of the Father and Son, united before the world began, bringing its salvation to pass. In this critical moment Jesus’ focus is on his relationship with his Father and with his closest friends.

The Westminster Shorter Catechism teaches that the chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy him forever. As followers of Christ we are called to glorify God with our lives-even in our most difficult days. We have never experienced a Holy Week quite like this - remembering the sacrifice of Christ as so many of in our world are suffering. Leaning on the hope of the resurrection without the joy of celebrating together. However in spite of it all we follow the example of Jesus.  We can bring glory to God by sharing a meal, serving one another, and praying as we have never prayed before. The hour has come.

Reflection

• How do you think the experience of Jesus relates to the experience of people suffering during this pandemic?

• How might you specifically serve and pray for others during this time?

Prayer

Lord as we reflect on your love for us during this week we are in awe that you poured out your life for us. Help us in this time of fear and great uncertainty. We pray that the Spirit will give us courage and confidence in these days ahead. Give us the grace to reflect your love to our neighbors and glorify you in all that we say and do. Amen.