“These words spoke Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said,
Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee.”
(John 17:1)
In the grand narrative of redemption that reaches beyond time, there is perhaps no moment more pivotal than the transition from Christ’s sacrificial death on Calvary to the realization of its wondrous impact on the elect of God. As Jonathan Edwards explains, “The story of redemption is divided into distinct phases, with each phase serving a divine purpose in God’s grand design.”[1]
At the moment when Adam and Eve sinned, the world was thrown into a downward spiral of darkness and death. Sin became an inherent part of human nature from that point forward. But God, in His infinite mercy and wisdom, had in eternity past designed a plan to redeem mankind from this darkness—a plan that reached its culmination at the cross.
Christ’s earthly ministry, sacrificial death, and glorious resurrection marked the turning point in God’s redemption narrative. Christ fulfilled the final administration of the covenant of faith to the letter, as He affirmed from the cross, “It is finished!” (John 19:30).
The period after Christ’s resurrection and ascension back to the throne of God began a new chapter in God’s redemptive story, when the fruits of His sacrifice and man’s subsequent redemption would be manifest in and through the lives of His elect. Having made His soul an offering for sin, it was time to witness the harvest of those whom God had chosen for His own. What a testament to the redemptive power of Christ’s love and sacrifice is the continual salvation and sanctification of His saints!
This period after His resurrection is marked by several significant developments:
- The overthrow of Satan’s kingdom. Christ’s sacrifice laid the foundation sufficient to challenge and ultimately dismantle the dominion of evil, a prophecy foretold and ever coming to fruition.
- Unity in Christ. The chasm between divinity and humanity caused by sin was remedied for the elect by Christ’s act of redemption. People from all walks of life are continuing to be drawn to Him, unified under His banner of love and grace.
- Salvation of the Elect. Those predestined to know and serve God find salvation in Christ. His sacrifice ensures that they are and will continue to be redeemed and brought into God’s fold.
- Glory of the Trinity. Christ’s sacrifice brought immense glory to the Holy Trinity. As He prayed in John 17:1, “Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee.” His meritorious work of redemption signified the mutual glorification and unity within the Godhead.
- Elevation of the Saints. Those who believe in Christ and follow His teachings are destined for eternal glory. They are the beneficiaries of Christ’s sacrifice and will share in His eternal kingdom.
Contemplation:
- The Power of Sacrifice. Reflecting on Christ’s sacrifice on the cross, I am constantly reminded of the depths of His love and this declaration of His unwavering commitment to redeem us.
- Eternal Life. The concept of eternal life is one that is beyond my ability to truly grasp. And yet, through Christ’s passion, death, and resurrection, because I am God’s child, I have the promise of His Word that I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever (Ps. 23:6). This promise fills my heart with hope, comfort, and gratitude.
- Unity in Diversity. Christ’s promise to draw all His people unto Himself is a testament to the inclusive nature of His love. Regardless of our backgrounds, each one of God’s elect children are precious in His eyes and are called to be part of His eternal family.
- The Glory of Redemption. Every time I read John 17:1, I am reminded of the divine plan where every aspect of life and creation and every event in history and beyond culminates in the glory of God. This truth is a humbling reminder of our singular role and purpose in this grand narrative.
Prayer (Adoration):
Father of glory, I lift my heart in worship to You, the One who designed the entirety of redemptive history with unsearchable wisdom and immeasurable love. You are the Ancient of Days, dwelling in unapproachable light, and yet You make Yourself known through Jesus Christ, Your Son, whom You sent into the world to accomplish eternal redemption. I adore You for Your divine will and purpose which could not be thwarted by sin, Satan, or death.
Lord Jesus, I praise You for the moment You lifted Your eyes to heaven and spoke with full confidence to the Father, knowing that the cross lay ahead and that Your glory would shine most brightly through suffering. I adore You for Your obedience, Your purity, and Your holy resolve. You were glorified in Your death, and by Your obedience even unto death, You glorified the Father. How glorious is this mutual love and perfect unity within the Trinity!
Spirit of the Living God, I praise You for applying the merits of Christ’s redemption to my soul. I praise You for uniting me to the Son, for regenerating my dead heart, and for making me part of God’s everlasting covenant. I adore You for every glimpse You give me of the glory of Christ in the gospel. You reveal His majesty not with thunder and fire, but with power that awakens the heart to love Him.
Glorious God, I adore You for the destruction of Satan’s dominion, for the triumph of the cross, for the reconciliation of Your enemies through the blood of Jesus. I praise You that the gospel is the enduring power of God unto salvation. I praise You that those who were once far off are now brought near, and that I—once blind and rebellious—now behold the glory of the Son.
You are glorious in Your holiness, infinite in Your majesty, and perfect in all Your works. Redemption itself is the grand display of Your attributes—all of them working in harmony: Your justice satisfied, Your mercy extended, Your love freely given, Your power displayed, and Your wisdom vindicated. Let every breath in me exalt You. Let every beat of my heart magnify the Christ who prayed, “Glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee.”
Blessed be Your name, O God, for You have chosen to glorify Yourself in redeeming a people for Your possession. I adore You not only for what You’ve done, but for who You are—Father, Son, and Holy Ghost—eternally worthy of all praise.
In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
Further Scripture References for John 17:1:
John 11:41; John 12:23; Luke 3:21; Acts 7:55.
[1] Jonathan Edwards, A History of the Work of Redemption, (Boston: Edinburgh printed: Boston: re-printed by Draper & Folsom, near the market, 1782), 171.
