After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed: “Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you. 2 For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him. 3 Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. 4 I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do. 5 And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began.
Questions for discussion:
- “And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began.” Can you think of another biblical citation describing Jesus as glorified before becoming human?
- How low was Jesus made for his ministry on Earth?
- Have you experienced a very troubling time when turning to God seemed like the only option?
Rick's thoughts:
1. “And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began.” Can you think of another biblical citation describing Jesus as glorified before becoming human?
Jesus was made lower than angels to become the Son of Man. “But we do see Jesus, who was made lower than the angels for a little while, now crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.” (Hebrews 2:9)
2. How low was Jesus made for his ministry on Earth?
He was not only made human, but as a servant king. “5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.8And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” (Philippians 2:5-8)
3. Have you experienced a very troubling time when turning to God seemed like the only option?
I have turned to God in troubling times and good times. I try to thank God during the good times and give me faith and strength during the tough times.