It isn’t always that Jesus gives credit to the disciples. It seems we more often remember the failings of Peter, the bickering of James & John, and the uncertainty and yet rash decision-making of Thomas. Even in this very room in which Jesus washed their feet, the disciples seem rather aloof and dumb.
But here in the ramp up toward the conclusion of Jesus’ farewell discourse with the disciples, he praises them to the Father.
Are you capable of hearing Jesus speak praises about you? The fact that you’re even reading this scripture, seeking more of him…you know Jesus favors that, right? Can you, do you conceive of his appreciation of you, his love for you?
Even we who favor Jesus more than anything, more than the prophets, more than the letters of Paul, even we can sometimes revert to old ways of thinking of God as a tyrant. But that’s why we’re reading Jesus’ words and stories every day: to be reminded of his character and person and to live into it.
But today, if you can, also listen for his favor for you.
John 17:1-8
When Jesus finished saying these things, he looked up to heaven and said, “Father, the time has come. Glorify your Son, so that the Son can glorify you. You gave him authority over everyone so that he could give eternal life to everyone you gave him. This is eternal life: to know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you sent. I have glorified you on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do. Now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I shared with you before the world was created.
“I have revealed your name to the people you gave me from this world. They were yours and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. Now they know that everything you have given me comes from you. This is because I gave them the words that you gave me, and they received them. They truly understood that I came from you, and they believed that you sent me.
Prayer
God,
Thank you for your love for the world and your love for me. As I watch the waves, feel the warmth of the sun, and experience the joy of shared human relationships…I am grateful for your initiation of it all as creator and Origin of Love.
That’s all for now, God.
I’m grateful.
By your spirit & in Christ,
Amen.