WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:03.419 And then we'll look back at John chapter 12 in a little while. 00:00:03.419 --> 00:00:09.140 But I wonder when we hear the word glory, what comes to mind? 00:00:09.279 --> 00:00:12.359 ! Because it's important for us to think about our own relationship to glory 00:00:12.359 --> 00:00:17.440 ! And then to think about the relationship Jesus has with glory as we see it here. 00:00:18.080 --> 00:00:23.339 Often, I suppose, glory is something that we seek after or we strive for, 00:00:23.420 --> 00:00:27.160 that idea of accomplishing something and to be recognized for it. 00:00:27.160 --> 00:00:34.740 The drive to achieve success and to be celebrated for achieving a particular goal. 00:00:35.200 --> 00:00:37.480 You know, we might think about it in the world of sports, 00:00:37.579 --> 00:00:40.719 or we might think about it in the world of the academy. 00:00:42.380 --> 00:00:49.560 But it's important for us to understand that for Jesus, He already has all glory. 00:00:50.420 --> 00:00:53.159 He is the eternal Son of God. 00:00:53.159 --> 00:00:58.279 And so, He's not praying for glory because He is lacking glory. 00:00:58.799 --> 00:01:05.259 Rather, this prayer is all about His glory being manifested and celebrated. 00:01:05.899 --> 00:01:08.319 So, it's important that we have that in our minds. 00:01:08.719 --> 00:01:11.939 I think there's another important qualification because sometimes, 00:01:12.359 --> 00:01:15.439 and this is maybe a more negative aspect of glory, 00:01:15.439 --> 00:01:22.640 sometimes glory and success can bring separation from other people. 00:01:22.739 --> 00:01:23.859 Here's what I mean. 00:01:24.920 --> 00:01:27.739 In the Easter holidays, we went to Biarritz in France, 00:01:28.159 --> 00:01:33.680 and the week after we left, there was a big Chanel opening, 00:01:34.099 --> 00:01:37.120 and lots of celebrities turned up. 00:01:37.659 --> 00:01:40.299 We missed them, or they missed us. 00:01:40.299 --> 00:01:46.859 But one thing that was obvious from looking on the pictures is that there was heaps of security. 00:01:47.799 --> 00:01:51.799 And anywhere where a celebrity went, there were barriers that were sure to follow. 00:01:52.759 --> 00:01:57.459 And so, with the glory of reaching the top and being one of the best, being the elite, 00:01:58.140 --> 00:01:59.299 can create separation. 00:02:00.000 --> 00:02:02.560 And in the part of the person who has reached their goal, 00:02:02.640 --> 00:02:05.979 perhaps they forget their roots or they ignore the little guys. 00:02:05.980 --> 00:02:11.480 Now, think about Jesus, and this is important because some people might have that idea. 00:02:12.659 --> 00:02:16.560 The Bible tells us that Jesus is now fully glorified and exalted in heaven. 00:02:17.480 --> 00:02:18.939 Has He forgotten about us? 00:02:19.500 --> 00:02:21.599 Is He too far above us to be concerned? 00:02:21.680 --> 00:02:23.379 And the answer is absolutely not. 00:02:24.099 --> 00:02:28.219 The Jesus that we meet here, the heart of Jesus here is unchanged in heaven. 00:02:28.340 --> 00:02:31.520 He is still our loving and compassionate Savior and High Priest. 00:02:31.939 --> 00:02:35.960 The one who prays for us then before the cross is the one who still prays for us. 00:02:35.979 --> 00:02:36.699 For us today. 00:02:38.119 --> 00:02:43.439 Another thing that we associate with glory, and I think this is something that Jesus wants for us, 00:02:43.539 --> 00:02:47.219 is that glory is something that we see with a sense of wonder. 00:02:48.379 --> 00:02:53.280 Maybe it's a performance, some kind of art or music. 00:02:54.019 --> 00:02:57.159 Or perhaps it's the panorama of a glorious sunset. 00:02:57.299 --> 00:03:01.780 Or maybe it's last week seeing the cherry blossoms out in full force in the meadows. 00:03:01.780 --> 00:03:05.199 That glory that stops us in our tracks. 00:03:05.800 --> 00:03:08.379 That makes us gaze with a sense of wonder. 00:03:08.520 --> 00:03:12.420 That beauty that captures us such that we want to hold on to it. 00:03:13.639 --> 00:03:18.819 It's important as Jesus prays for glory for us to understand that He knows us. 00:03:18.819 --> 00:03:21.900 He knows the weakness of our human frame. 00:03:21.900 --> 00:03:23.659 He knows our lives. 00:03:23.659 --> 00:03:30.919 He knows that we are often faced with pressures and busyness and life and relationships are complicated. 00:03:30.919 --> 00:03:33.900 And sometimes we are also trapped by the mundane. 00:03:33.900 --> 00:03:46.500 And so Jesus' prayer becomes for us an invitation to lift our eyes to discover and to rediscover His awesome glory. 00:03:47.140 --> 00:03:55.439 That this prayer is a drawing out of us towards our chief end, our purpose in life. 00:03:55.900 --> 00:03:56.920 What are we made for? 00:03:56.919 --> 00:04:00.019 We're made to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. 00:04:00.259 --> 00:04:04.799 We're made to find our purpose by enjoying the glory of God forever. 00:04:04.899 --> 00:04:10.239 And so Jesus prays for navigating life well. 00:04:11.359 --> 00:04:14.679 Here is a great north star for us to follow. 00:04:15.119 --> 00:04:16.519 The glory of God. 00:04:16.919 --> 00:04:19.979 The glory of Christ Jesus, His Son. 00:04:19.980 --> 00:04:28.540 So we're going to think about this phrase, glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you. 00:04:29.680 --> 00:04:33.780 I want to suggest three agreements that Jesus' prayer calls us to. 00:04:34.460 --> 00:04:39.420 First of all, to agree with the Father in glorifying the Son. 00:04:39.920 --> 00:04:43.120 To agree with the Son in glorifying the Father. 00:04:43.120 --> 00:04:47.879 And finally, to agree that God's glory is indeed our greatest good. 00:04:47.879 --> 00:04:54.100 So the first thing to look at, agree with the Father in glorifying the Son. 00:04:54.180 --> 00:05:01.779 We need to understand when Jesus prays glorify your Son, that that prayer is rooted in His Father's will. 00:05:03.259 --> 00:05:07.920 This isn't something that comes from human origin. 00:05:08.040 --> 00:05:13.500 You know, when the church proclaims Jesus is Lord, Jesus is worthy of glory, 00:05:13.500 --> 00:05:19.519 that's not a human invention, but rather that's God's idea and plan for His Son, 00:05:19.600 --> 00:05:25.199 that His Son receive and be celebrated for having all glory. 00:05:26.459 --> 00:05:34.420 And to help us to see that, turn back with me to John chapter 12 from verse 20 onwards that Andreas read for us. 00:05:34.420 --> 00:05:37.480 This is a turning point in Jesus' ministry. 00:05:37.480 --> 00:05:43.740 We've been seeing a rising tide of Jewish opposition and unbelief. 00:05:45.020 --> 00:05:50.920 And now, there are some Greeks who come, and they come with this request. 00:05:51.060 --> 00:05:53.140 Sir, we want to see Jesus. 00:05:54.120 --> 00:06:01.060 And as Jesus hears about this, what does He say in verse 23 of chapter 12? 00:06:01.060 --> 00:06:02.600 He replies, 00:06:02.600 --> 00:06:06.600 The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. 00:06:07.379 --> 00:06:12.259 So Jesus comes into the moments around the cross with that understanding. 00:06:13.620 --> 00:06:18.920 That this hour of His glory, it's the time of His suffering and death, 00:06:19.360 --> 00:06:22.639 before His resurrection and His exaltation. 00:06:22.959 --> 00:06:24.840 And He knows and He understands two things. 00:06:24.839 --> 00:06:32.119 He understands the cross is His Father's will and that the cross is a means of bringing the Son glory. 00:06:34.879 --> 00:06:40.279 The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. 00:06:40.419 --> 00:06:44.639 And then He goes on in verse 24 to use that image of the grain of wheat. 00:06:44.799 --> 00:06:46.439 Some of us have been planting seeds. 00:06:46.639 --> 00:06:51.019 To plant a seed that appears to be a death that goes down into the ground, and we don't see it. 00:06:51.019 --> 00:06:53.979 But later, life springs up. 00:06:55.019 --> 00:06:59.519 And Jesus speaks of His own death, followed by His resurrection. 00:06:59.699 --> 00:07:08.120 But in His death, there is new life and eternal life and salvation that will spring up in many hearts. 00:07:09.000 --> 00:07:12.959 So Jesus faces His death, understanding it's God's will. 00:07:13.459 --> 00:07:20.060 And He's praying that He'll be glorified in this moment because He knows He's come to accomplish salvation. 00:07:20.060 --> 00:07:22.740 That in His death, there is life for many. 00:07:23.780 --> 00:07:27.360 Now, how will the Father give the Son glory? 00:07:29.339 --> 00:07:32.939 Again, to go further in John chapter 12 and at verse 32, 00:07:34.079 --> 00:07:39.319 there's a glory that is associated with Jesus being lifted up. 00:07:39.399 --> 00:07:40.779 Look at verse 32. 00:07:40.779 --> 00:07:45.980 And I, when I am lifted up, can also mean exalted, 00:07:46.160 --> 00:07:49.740 when I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw people to myself. 00:07:49.740 --> 00:07:51.040 There's a play on words there. 00:07:51.120 --> 00:07:55.560 Jesus will be lifted up physically on a Roman cross. 00:07:55.639 --> 00:08:00.639 And of course, that's normally a place of shame and pain and suffering and death. 00:08:00.879 --> 00:08:07.680 But at the same time, it's also a lifting up and exalting to display the glory of God in salvation. 00:08:08.740 --> 00:08:11.960 To help to see the connection, actually, we can turn to the book of Isaiah. 00:08:11.959 --> 00:08:18.120 That famous chapter, chapter 52 and into chapter 53, 00:08:18.859 --> 00:08:22.159 the most famous of what are known as the servant songs. 00:08:23.620 --> 00:08:26.019 And it's introduced in this way. 00:08:26.139 --> 00:08:28.439 Isaiah 52, verse 13. 00:08:28.579 --> 00:08:34.679 This is anticipating the future ministry of this one known as the servant of the Lord. 00:08:34.679 --> 00:08:53.239 And as that passage goes on, we are told more of what it looks like for this servant to be lifted up and to be exalted. 00:08:53.240 --> 00:09:00.720 And it involves, in part, the servant of the Lord being despised and being rejected. 00:09:01.820 --> 00:09:04.720 Taking up our pain, our suffering, our sin. 00:09:05.560 --> 00:09:07.480 Suffering as the sin bearer. 00:09:08.259 --> 00:09:12.680 It looks like this servant of the Lord experiencing the curse of God, 00:09:13.080 --> 00:09:16.200 the wrath of God in the place of His people. 00:09:16.200 --> 00:09:19.640 He will die in the place of sinners. 00:09:19.759 --> 00:09:23.100 So, there will be the humiliation of the servant. 00:09:25.660 --> 00:09:28.840 But then there is also the lifting up and the exalting. 00:09:30.759 --> 00:09:31.640 Verse 12. 00:09:31.759 --> 00:09:34.620 Having accomplished God's great plan of salvation. 00:09:34.840 --> 00:09:36.400 Isaiah 53, verse 12. 00:09:36.940 --> 00:09:39.560 Therefore, I will give Him a portion among the great, 00:09:39.640 --> 00:09:42.180 and He will divide the spoils with the strong. 00:09:42.179 --> 00:09:50.459 There is reward, there is glory, because He poured out His life unto death and was numbered with the transgressors. 00:09:50.839 --> 00:09:56.919 For He bore the sin of many and made intercession for the transgressors. 00:09:57.479 --> 00:10:07.819 So, we're told in the book of Isaiah that God's coming servant will be lifted up and exalted because of His God-glorifying obedience. 00:10:08.019 --> 00:10:12.019 And Jesus knows He's come to fulfill that role. 00:10:12.919 --> 00:10:15.479 Now, how else will the Father give the Son glory? 00:10:15.579 --> 00:10:19.039 Back to chapter 12 of John's Gospel, verse 32. 00:10:19.539 --> 00:10:25.879 And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself. 00:10:27.379 --> 00:10:32.399 Now, that's striking, especially in the context of the Greeks coming wanting to see Jesus. 00:10:33.539 --> 00:10:37.879 Our social media age has a way of calculating glory, I think. 00:10:37.879 --> 00:10:40.919 How many subscribers does a person have? 00:10:40.980 --> 00:10:41.799 How many followers? 00:10:41.939 --> 00:10:42.840 How many views? 00:10:43.559 --> 00:10:47.139 How much cultural influence and cachet does that person have? 00:10:47.139 --> 00:10:55.779 Now, compare that with the glory God the Father gives to His Son, Jesus. 00:10:56.580 --> 00:11:06.759 And we begin to see just how shallow and temporary and tiny earthly glory is compared to the glory that belongs to Jesus. 00:11:06.759 --> 00:11:08.059 Compared to the glory of Jesus. 00:11:08.059 --> 00:11:10.259 Compared to the glory of Jesus. 00:11:10.259 --> 00:11:18.559 To the fact that Jesus has such an influence on lives that it shapes us for time and into eternity. 00:11:18.559 --> 00:11:25.219 Jesus will have glory as He draws all people to Himself. 00:11:27.219 --> 00:11:30.739 Again, to think about the significance of here's some Greeks coming. 00:11:32.039 --> 00:11:36.919 Remember that the Bible has always said that Jesus' kingdom mission will be a broad one. 00:11:37.659 --> 00:11:41.179 It will always involve the nations coming to Him. 00:11:41.179 --> 00:11:50.219 It was there in that promise given to Abraham that one of your descendants will be a source of blessing to all people. 00:11:51.179 --> 00:11:55.559 It's there in Psalms like Psalm 67, Psalm 87. 00:11:56.679 --> 00:12:06.159 The missionary impact of the church, of the servant of God, in expanding the kingdom through the nations. 00:12:06.159 --> 00:12:10.679 It's there in another word from Isaiah, Isaiah 42. 00:12:11.299 --> 00:12:14.839 That this servant of the Lord, He will be a light to the nations. 00:12:14.959 --> 00:12:18.299 It would be too small a thing just for Him to be for Israel. 00:12:18.419 --> 00:12:23.399 He must be a light leading people to God from every nation. 00:12:23.399 --> 00:12:36.740 And so, as Jesus prays approaching the cross, He knows that this lifting up and drawing people is going to be worked out in Him. 00:12:36.879 --> 00:12:41.539 In His life, death, resurrection, then return to glory. 00:12:43.139 --> 00:12:48.340 Jesus understands that in His death, He will give life. 00:12:48.340 --> 00:12:53.220 In verse 31 of John chapter 12, Jesus says, 00:12:53.720 --> 00:13:08.920 Jesus looks at the cross and He understands this is the moment where the forces of darkness will be judged, 00:13:09.259 --> 00:13:14.639 where victory will be gained over them, over the world, that whole system opposed to Jesus. 00:13:14.639 --> 00:13:18.340 Jesus, a decisive victory over the devil himself. 00:13:20.019 --> 00:13:25.460 And in that victory, there is then the possibility for drawing all people to Himself. 00:13:25.860 --> 00:13:30.539 Because those great enemies, that great opposition, those great barriers have now been removed. 00:13:30.699 --> 00:13:33.539 And here is the good news that Jesus prays for. 00:13:34.879 --> 00:13:36.600 He prays the gospel, doesn't He? 00:13:36.600 --> 00:13:41.419 He prays knowing that God had created mankind to live in perfect friendship with Him. 00:13:41.419 --> 00:13:47.379 Jesus, of course, understands that people have rebelled and have offended God's justice. 00:13:48.459 --> 00:13:53.240 That God in love and mercy has made an eternal covenant of peace. 00:13:53.419 --> 00:13:55.519 That the Father would send the Son. 00:13:56.099 --> 00:14:01.839 And that Jesus comes in history to be the mediator between a holy God and sinful people. 00:14:01.840 --> 00:14:10.680 That Jesus Himself, the Son of God, will take our guilt and sin and pay the penalty on the cross before His resurrection. 00:14:11.720 --> 00:14:15.840 Showing that the Father is fully satisfied with Jesus' work of salvation. 00:14:16.560 --> 00:14:19.399 And so now Jesus can grant forgiveness of sin. 00:14:20.019 --> 00:14:26.820 He can grant to us the status of being declared righteous before God to all who will trust in Jesus. 00:14:26.820 --> 00:14:29.340 To all who will have faith. 00:14:29.400 --> 00:14:31.720 And Jesus knows that faith is a gift. 00:14:32.980 --> 00:14:36.379 As Jesus draws all people to Himself. 00:14:37.020 --> 00:14:43.640 As He calls people powerfully into His kingdom to receive and to enjoy eternal life. 00:14:43.639 --> 00:14:49.759 So when we hear Jesus praying, Father glorify me. 00:14:50.759 --> 00:14:52.240 This is not pride. 00:14:53.519 --> 00:14:59.340 This is God the Son praying completely in alignment with the Father's will. 00:14:59.340 --> 00:15:03.259 And because that is so, this prayer is answered. 00:15:04.039 --> 00:15:09.299 And we see it answered whenever a person turns from sin to trust in Jesus. 00:15:09.299 --> 00:15:14.479 Whenever anyone is transferred from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of light. 00:15:15.199 --> 00:15:19.979 If you're a Christian here today, your faith is evidence that Jesus' prayer is answered. 00:15:20.639 --> 00:15:26.759 The global church today is proof that the Father continues to put the glory of Jesus on display. 00:15:26.759 --> 00:15:31.459 Not just in a tiny corner, but among the nations of the earth. 00:15:31.460 --> 00:15:37.040 One more way the Father gives the Son glory. 00:15:38.139 --> 00:15:41.580 And it's there in His prayer in John 17 verse 5. 00:15:41.580 --> 00:15:45.940 And now, Father, Jesus prays in John 17 verse 5. 00:15:46.139 --> 00:15:51.400 Glorify me in Your presence with the glory I had with You before the world began. 00:15:51.500 --> 00:15:53.440 And so we see and we hear from Jesus. 00:15:53.920 --> 00:15:55.139 This isn't a new glory. 00:15:55.259 --> 00:15:56.820 He has eternal glory. 00:15:57.560 --> 00:16:00.920 And He is looking forward to being welcomed back to that glory. 00:16:02.080 --> 00:16:07.580 In the ancient world, a victorious king in a great battle. 00:16:07.680 --> 00:16:08.800 They would return home. 00:16:10.060 --> 00:16:11.420 And there'd be a great procession. 00:16:11.480 --> 00:16:12.220 And there'd be trumpets. 00:16:12.259 --> 00:16:12.860 And there'd be cheering. 00:16:12.960 --> 00:16:15.700 And there'd be welcomed with honor to take up the throne again. 00:16:16.000 --> 00:16:20.400 And defeated enemies would be trailing in their wake in humiliation. 00:16:21.820 --> 00:16:24.100 And we love to sing Psalm 24. 00:16:24.980 --> 00:16:28.860 Throwing wide the gates that the King of glory may enter. 00:16:28.860 --> 00:16:32.039 That King, of course, is Jesus, the glorious King of heaven. 00:16:32.620 --> 00:16:35.019 Welcomed back to take that place. 00:16:35.480 --> 00:16:38.379 Having triumphed over Satan's sin and death. 00:16:38.480 --> 00:16:40.460 Having gained eternal life for His people. 00:16:40.779 --> 00:16:44.080 He returns to His place of glory. 00:16:44.639 --> 00:16:48.360 And so Jesus' prayer reminds us that He's always had it. 00:16:48.840 --> 00:16:50.379 He'll always have that glory. 00:16:50.379 --> 00:16:57.700 And Jesus, now that He sits in heaven, He has been given all authority over His church. 00:16:58.279 --> 00:17:01.340 That's part of the glory that He receives from His Father. 00:17:02.039 --> 00:17:05.319 The glory of being declared King of kings and Lord of lords. 00:17:05.400 --> 00:17:07.240 Being king and head over the church. 00:17:08.680 --> 00:17:11.700 We hear that authority that Jesus has given in the Great Commission. 00:17:12.619 --> 00:17:14.660 It's why we pray in the name of Jesus. 00:17:14.660 --> 00:17:19.180 It's why we trust that it's Jesus is the one who's building His church. 00:17:19.660 --> 00:17:22.400 It's Jesus who gives spiritual gifts to His people. 00:17:23.120 --> 00:17:25.860 From His place of glory in heaven. 00:17:27.680 --> 00:17:31.320 And so it's good news for us that God the Father answers Jesus' prayer. 00:17:32.580 --> 00:17:39.000 It's loud and clear from Scripture what God the Father's verdict on the Son is. 00:17:39.000 --> 00:17:41.259 He is glorified. 00:17:41.380 --> 00:17:42.279 He is exalted. 00:17:43.660 --> 00:17:49.119 And our great calling is to make sure that our verdict lines up with that of God the Father. 00:17:51.579 --> 00:17:55.440 So we're called to agree with the Father in glorifying the Son. 00:17:56.440 --> 00:17:58.299 Let's now look at the second phrase. 00:17:58.440 --> 00:18:02.160 Glorify your Son that your Son may glorify you. 00:18:02.819 --> 00:18:07.240 So now we're called to agree with the Son in glorifying the Father. 00:18:07.240 --> 00:18:07.400 Father. 00:18:08.579 --> 00:18:11.720 There's lots of concern today. 00:18:12.200 --> 00:18:13.539 Lots of research being done. 00:18:13.620 --> 00:18:14.799 Lots of books being written. 00:18:14.799 --> 00:18:17.380 All around the topic of digital distraction. 00:18:17.839 --> 00:18:24.900 And we've probably read some of those articles and podcasts even while we have been digitally distracted at the same time. 00:18:25.160 --> 00:18:29.039 The social media age has us losing our attention. 00:18:30.240 --> 00:18:32.980 Losing our capacity towards deep focus. 00:18:32.980 --> 00:18:38.259 It's because there's so many notifications and alerts and different things calling on our time and attention. 00:18:39.700 --> 00:18:42.779 The Danish philosopher, Christian philosopher, Soren Kierkegaard. 00:18:43.460 --> 00:18:48.279 He said, to achieve is to will one thing. 00:18:49.740 --> 00:18:50.579 This is wonderful. 00:18:50.700 --> 00:18:51.880 To will one thing. 00:18:52.579 --> 00:18:53.860 But how do we do it? 00:18:53.859 --> 00:18:57.619 With so many voices and so much noise. 00:18:59.119 --> 00:19:00.779 How can we will one thing? 00:19:01.779 --> 00:19:04.279 It's part of the beauty of Christ in the Gospels. 00:19:05.319 --> 00:19:06.699 What do we see in Jesus? 00:19:06.899 --> 00:19:09.819 We see a life utterly committed to one thing. 00:19:10.779 --> 00:19:12.039 To the Father's will. 00:19:12.039 --> 00:19:18.339 We see a life utterly dedicated to the kingdom of God. 00:19:18.779 --> 00:19:20.700 To the commandment to love. 00:19:21.200 --> 00:19:23.920 To seeking the Father's glory. 00:19:25.159 --> 00:19:27.240 And we hear it here in John 17. 00:19:29.259 --> 00:19:33.720 Remember, this is just hours before Jesus' arrest and He knows it's coming. 00:19:34.839 --> 00:19:35.819 Unjust trial. 00:19:36.159 --> 00:19:38.059 Beatings, scourgings, squippings, death. 00:19:38.059 --> 00:19:41.659 He knows it, yet He still wills one thing. 00:19:43.299 --> 00:19:47.339 He wants as the Son to glorify His Father. 00:19:48.539 --> 00:19:57.019 And as Jesus glorifies His Father through His work on the cross, He does it by achieving our salvation. 00:19:57.019 --> 00:20:06.160 He said much the same thing in John chapter 12 as He was facing His hour. 00:20:10.099 --> 00:20:12.019 Listen in to verse 27. 00:20:14.779 --> 00:20:16.619 Here's another prayer of Jesus. 00:20:16.900 --> 00:20:19.019 Now my soul is troubled. 00:20:20.539 --> 00:20:21.519 And what shall I say? 00:20:22.079 --> 00:20:23.839 Father, save me from this hour? 00:20:23.839 --> 00:20:24.839 No. 00:20:25.639 --> 00:20:27.619 It was for this very reason. 00:20:27.819 --> 00:20:29.519 I came to this hour. 00:20:30.359 --> 00:20:33.799 Father, glorify Your name. 00:20:34.759 --> 00:20:36.039 Then a voice came from heaven. 00:20:36.399 --> 00:20:37.980 I have glorified it. 00:20:38.439 --> 00:20:41.299 And I will glorify it again. 00:20:42.859 --> 00:20:44.659 All of Jesus' life. 00:20:45.619 --> 00:20:49.359 All of His active faith and obedience. 00:20:49.359 --> 00:20:57.859 In all His commitment to be our representative by perfectly obeying where we disobey. 00:20:58.919 --> 00:21:02.599 All His life in His calling to be our Redeemer. 00:21:03.039 --> 00:21:06.459 To live and then die in our place to secure our salvation. 00:21:06.879 --> 00:21:10.819 He is concerned for the Father's glory. 00:21:11.959 --> 00:21:13.859 In securing our salvation. 00:21:13.859 --> 00:21:19.000 And we hear it in these words of Jesus facing death. 00:21:19.379 --> 00:21:21.919 His instinct is the same. 00:21:22.279 --> 00:21:25.839 Not preserve my life, but glorify Your name, Father. 00:21:26.359 --> 00:21:31.279 Nothing is going to shift Jesus from this great purpose in His life. 00:21:31.659 --> 00:21:33.559 To exalt the glory of God. 00:21:34.599 --> 00:21:36.199 What was Jesus' chief end? 00:21:37.500 --> 00:21:40.819 To glorify God His Father and to enjoy Him forever. 00:21:40.819 --> 00:21:44.679 And Jesus will magnify that glory. 00:21:45.519 --> 00:21:46.240 Highlight it. 00:21:46.279 --> 00:21:47.879 Put it in neon sign. 00:21:49.059 --> 00:21:52.259 By saving sinful people like us. 00:21:53.899 --> 00:21:56.759 And so we have Christ, the beloved Son. 00:21:57.359 --> 00:22:00.059 And we hear Him pray for His Father's glory. 00:22:00.119 --> 00:22:03.460 And we understand that nothing gives Him greater pleasure 00:22:03.460 --> 00:22:06.179 than the Father's smile of approval. 00:22:06.180 --> 00:22:09.160 And so He prays. 00:22:10.920 --> 00:22:13.779 So that you and I, we can share that pleasure too. 00:22:14.680 --> 00:22:17.940 Because in Jesus' salvation, He would change our heart of stone 00:22:17.940 --> 00:22:19.500 and give us a heart of flesh. 00:22:19.960 --> 00:22:23.960 So that we would truly want to love our God and Father. 00:22:24.759 --> 00:22:29.000 When we hear Jesus pray, we hear Him pray as our great high priest. 00:22:29.640 --> 00:22:32.220 And He's come to represent us before God. 00:22:32.220 --> 00:22:37.839 And He knows that God is glorified when any sinner turns from death to life. 00:22:38.079 --> 00:22:40.059 From sin to find salvation. 00:22:40.519 --> 00:22:45.839 And so He prays for His people as He prays for His Father's glory. 00:22:48.460 --> 00:22:52.240 Here is Jesus praying as our mediator. 00:22:53.319 --> 00:22:55.440 Interceding for us, representing us. 00:22:55.579 --> 00:22:57.980 And He lives the life we should, but we don't. 00:22:57.980 --> 00:23:00.480 And He prays the prayer we should, but we don't. 00:23:00.559 --> 00:23:03.000 To God, be the glory always. 00:23:05.799 --> 00:23:08.279 And He prays that in His death and resurrection, 00:23:08.819 --> 00:23:11.839 in the salvation that He secures, our hearts would be changed. 00:23:11.860 --> 00:23:14.539 So we would desire God's glory more and more. 00:23:16.920 --> 00:23:19.960 As we listen to Jesus praying, we're listening to our King. 00:23:20.900 --> 00:23:24.480 Bringing glory to the Father in establishing the kingdom of God 00:23:24.480 --> 00:23:27.319 by His death and resurrection in our hearts and lives. 00:23:28.339 --> 00:23:33.799 And this same King will in the end hand the kingdom over to His Father, we're told. 00:23:33.920 --> 00:23:35.319 1 Corinthians 15, 20. 00:23:36.200 --> 00:23:39.180 So that God may be all in all. 00:23:40.039 --> 00:23:44.539 Jesus lived a life utterly committed to seeking His Father's glory. 00:23:45.319 --> 00:23:48.500 The life of Jesus from beginning to end 00:23:48.500 --> 00:23:53.140 was a life that willed one thing, the glory of God. 00:23:54.539 --> 00:23:57.720 And what He achieved because of that was our salvation. 00:23:59.660 --> 00:24:01.519 Think about that as we face a coming week. 00:24:01.640 --> 00:24:03.500 In all the things that we could do, 00:24:04.559 --> 00:24:08.559 in all the things that will pull on our time and attention, 00:24:08.720 --> 00:24:11.819 many of those things legitimate, some not so much, 00:24:11.819 --> 00:24:16.220 even in the temptations that we have to seek our own glory, 00:24:16.399 --> 00:24:20.859 are we willing to lay them down or to place them underneath 00:24:20.859 --> 00:24:23.519 that one great aim? 00:24:24.659 --> 00:24:28.859 To achieve what you and I, in the end, were made for. 00:24:30.079 --> 00:24:32.899 To glorify and to enjoy our God. 00:24:32.900 --> 00:24:39.019 Jesus shows us the one thing to will above all. 00:24:39.800 --> 00:24:42.580 The glory of God in our lives. 00:24:43.700 --> 00:24:45.740 So that takes us to our third thing. 00:24:46.280 --> 00:24:48.019 As we think about the prayer of Jesus, 00:24:48.820 --> 00:24:50.740 He wants us to agree that God's glory, 00:24:51.400 --> 00:24:52.920 in the end, is our greatest good. 00:24:53.940 --> 00:24:56.540 I came across a story this week by Joel Beeky, 00:24:57.060 --> 00:24:58.820 the theologian and pastor. 00:24:59.220 --> 00:25:00.720 He tells the story of a chap by the name of 00:25:00.720 --> 00:25:02.620 William Montague Dyke. 00:25:02.619 --> 00:25:03.379 It's a great name. 00:25:03.959 --> 00:25:05.259 William Montague Dyke. 00:25:05.939 --> 00:25:09.719 It suffered an injury, an eye injury, at the age of 10. 00:25:10.199 --> 00:25:14.179 That at that time rendered him blind for a good number of years. 00:25:14.919 --> 00:25:17.000 But it didn't stop him going to university. 00:25:17.639 --> 00:25:21.859 And at university, he met the daughter of a British admirable. 00:25:22.119 --> 00:25:22.519 Admiral? 00:25:23.319 --> 00:25:23.859 Not admirable. 00:25:24.219 --> 00:25:25.579 He may have been an admiral. 00:25:26.579 --> 00:25:28.459 And they fell in love. 00:25:28.959 --> 00:25:29.939 They got engaged. 00:25:29.939 --> 00:25:31.619 And there was going to be a big wedding. 00:25:32.619 --> 00:25:35.959 And not long before the wedding, 00:25:36.959 --> 00:25:44.199 there was a new development in the world of medicine and in eye surgery. 00:25:44.200 --> 00:25:47.380 A new type of surgery was being developed. 00:25:47.380 --> 00:25:49.660 And Montague heard about it. 00:25:49.920 --> 00:25:51.559 And he agreed to have the surgery. 00:25:51.640 --> 00:25:52.720 He was told it's risky. 00:25:53.460 --> 00:25:54.559 It might not work. 00:25:55.279 --> 00:25:57.140 It was very much early trials. 00:25:57.140 --> 00:25:59.280 But he had the operation anyway. 00:25:59.280 --> 00:26:06.580 And he made the decision in his recovery phase that he wanted, if he was going to see again, 00:26:06.680 --> 00:26:11.320 he wanted his first sight to be of his new bride. 00:26:11.319 --> 00:26:18.879 And so he made the decision that while his eyes were recovering, he would keep the bandages on until his wedding day. 00:26:18.879 --> 00:26:26.240 And so on their wedding day, there was this remarkable scene of the bride coming down the aisle in all her beauty and glory. 00:26:26.240 --> 00:26:32.140 And then at the front of the church, William Montague Dike was having his bandages removed. 00:26:32.859 --> 00:26:37.400 And for the first time in weeks, the light was penetrating. 00:26:37.859 --> 00:26:40.819 And his eyes opened and light flooded in. 00:26:41.500 --> 00:26:42.220 And he could see. 00:26:43.079 --> 00:26:47.220 And he saw as he wanted his beautiful bride. 00:26:47.220 --> 00:26:54.539 And with tears, he said, you are more beautiful than I ever imagined. 00:26:56.160 --> 00:27:07.079 In Jesus' prayer, that he be glorified and his father be glorified, we need to understand that Jesus is praying for us. 00:27:07.839 --> 00:27:12.160 That he is praying that we might have our spiritual eyes opened. 00:27:12.160 --> 00:27:18.460 To see in the Lord Jesus and in the gospel a captivating beauty. 00:27:19.620 --> 00:27:26.779 To live as people of hope that one day we will see Jesus. 00:27:27.660 --> 00:27:29.500 And we will be with Jesus. 00:27:29.600 --> 00:27:31.000 And we will be made like Jesus. 00:27:31.120 --> 00:27:33.140 And we will see him in all his glory. 00:27:33.300 --> 00:27:38.560 And we too one day will say, you are more glorious and beautiful than I could ever have imagined. 00:27:38.559 --> 00:27:48.099 Until that day, with this prayer of Jesus in view, let me encourage us to two things. 00:27:49.039 --> 00:27:55.339 First of all, with Jesus, to seek God's glory above our own. 00:27:57.399 --> 00:28:01.879 The context for this prayer reminds us of the pattern of Jesus' life. 00:28:02.259 --> 00:28:04.200 He was willing to suffer first. 00:28:04.200 --> 00:28:06.680 To experience humiliation. 00:28:06.680 --> 00:28:11.559 To wear the crown of thorns before the crown of glory. 00:28:12.759 --> 00:28:20.940 As we seek God's glory above our own, will we pray for servant hearts? 00:28:21.480 --> 00:28:26.160 To be ready and willing to sacrifice for other people. 00:28:26.160 --> 00:28:32.279 Because we are waiting for a future glory that goes beyond anything. 00:28:32.279 --> 00:28:35.759 So we don't need to fight for our own glory. 00:28:38.000 --> 00:28:41.160 I mentioned last week the Puritan Anthony Burgess. 00:28:41.920 --> 00:28:43.340 He had a phrase that stuck with me. 00:28:43.380 --> 00:28:43.759 I like it. 00:28:43.820 --> 00:28:49.040 He said, we should pray that any comforts or advantages we are given 00:28:49.040 --> 00:28:53.220 become ways to give God glory. 00:28:53.220 --> 00:28:55.779 That's how Jesus prayed. 00:28:56.400 --> 00:29:01.299 Jesus prayed for His own glory so that the Father would be glorified. 00:29:02.180 --> 00:29:07.759 If God is good to us in any way, can we join Jesus in praying? 00:29:08.339 --> 00:29:13.240 May I use that comfort or advantage so that God, in the end, gets the glory. 00:29:14.259 --> 00:29:15.740 He gives us the privilege of a job. 00:29:15.839 --> 00:29:17.180 He gives us family and friends. 00:29:17.279 --> 00:29:20.360 He gives us a relative measure of wealth and prosperity. 00:29:20.359 --> 00:29:27.299 If He does any good in our church, may that be not for our glory but for God's. 00:29:31.459 --> 00:29:34.399 And as we seek God's glory above our own, 00:29:36.439 --> 00:29:40.859 can we pray for a heart for God's glory in this world? 00:29:40.859 --> 00:29:45.919 To pray for God's local church and global church. 00:29:46.979 --> 00:29:49.359 I tuned in to a recent funeral. 00:29:50.659 --> 00:29:55.759 And as the minister was talking about the man who had died, he said, 00:29:56.039 --> 00:29:58.899 because of illness, he hadn't been able to get out for a long time, 00:29:58.959 --> 00:30:01.279 hadn't been to church for a long time. 00:30:01.279 --> 00:30:04.859 But he said he soared in prayer across the globe, 00:30:05.639 --> 00:30:08.539 praying for the church in Africa and Asia and Latin America. 00:30:08.539 --> 00:30:15.519 Can we pray, give me a passion for the name of Jesus, 00:30:16.519 --> 00:30:20.019 for our church, for our city, for the nations of the world? 00:30:21.920 --> 00:30:23.500 Seek God's glory above our own. 00:30:23.700 --> 00:30:29.619 And secondly, let's ask that we would see the glory of Christ more clearly. 00:30:29.619 --> 00:30:35.119 Because that's what we need, to be captivated by that one beauty above all. 00:30:35.459 --> 00:30:41.439 To pray for our eyes to be lifted up to the one who is lifted up and exalted for us. 00:30:41.659 --> 00:30:46.039 To see the King in all His glory and His beauty. 00:30:46.159 --> 00:30:50.259 Because that, when we have that captivating vision of Jesus and His glory, 00:30:50.259 --> 00:30:53.759 that's what helps us to fight against sin in our own lives. 00:30:56.759 --> 00:31:00.019 And that's what helps us to face trouble and temptation. 00:31:00.279 --> 00:31:03.920 As we look to Jesus and we know He faced trouble and temptation too, 00:31:04.000 --> 00:31:05.119 but He never sinned. 00:31:06.039 --> 00:31:07.940 And He is with me and He is for me. 00:31:07.980 --> 00:31:11.079 And from heaven, He has power and love to help me in this moment. 00:31:11.079 --> 00:31:19.240 As we see Jesus in His exalted glory, we understand He is our friend in the highest place. 00:31:19.899 --> 00:31:23.419 Who has acted for us and who prays for us. 00:31:24.379 --> 00:31:32.319 And one day, for those who trust in Him, we will see Him, the King, in all His glory. 00:31:33.339 --> 00:31:34.579 Let's pray together. 00:31:36.079 --> 00:31:37.079 Lord, we thank you.