John 17, Pt. 1: This is Eternal Life

As followers of Jesus, the revelation of eternal life from John 17 is so encouraging and beautiful. I hope it takes you back to the moment where you began a relationship with Jesus.

John 17, Pt. 1: This is Eternal Life

This week's devotions are written by my son, Bryant Forshee, Lead Student Pastor for Cross Church, Springdale, AR campus.

- Pastor Danny

"This is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and the one you have sent—Jesus Christ."

(John 17:3, CSB)

John 17 is an interesting chapter in the Gospel because it is all one long prayer. In your Bibles, you may see headings such as, "The High Priestly Prayer," "The Prayer of Jesus," "Jesus Prays to be Glorified," and some other headings later down in the chapter, but this chapter is a recorded prayer by Jesus. This prayer comes in the later part of Jesus' life. In fact, in John 18, we will see Jesus betrayed and arrested. How do we see this prayer kicked off? We have verse three up at the top of today's devotion, but let's look at verses 1-3.

John 17:1-3: "Jesus spoke these things, looked up to heaven, and said, 'Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son so that the Son may glorify you, since you gave him authority over all people, so that he may give eternal life to everyone you have given him. This is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and the one you have sent—Jesus Christ.'"

Jesus starts off His prayer in the usual manner in which He commanded His disciples to pray, in addressing God as Father. He then goes on to let the mission of His time here on earth be clearly known: the glory of God. Verse 3 is the one I want us to really hone in on. Jesus, in His prayer, clearly shows to everyone what eternal life is: we know God! Basically, the way to eternal life is a relationship with God. This word "know" is very important to understand, and the Holman New Testament Commentary puts it this way:

"The word 'know' in verse 3 is ginosko, emphasizing an experiential relationship rather than just necessary information. The verb also appears here in the present tense, suggesting a continuing personal experience and contact with both the Father and the Son."

(Kenneth O. Gangel, John, vol. 4, Holman New Testament Commentary (Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2000), 313.)

As followers of Jesus, the revelation of eternal life from John 17 is so encouraging and beautiful. I hope it takes you back to the moment when you began a relationship with Jesus. I hope it stirs your heart's affection for Christ and for His work on the cross.

Why this passage on December 5?

What better time to share this news of eternal life with people than CHRISTmas?!

As people are out and about and Christmas cheer is all around, people are more open to conversations and dialogue than any other part of the year. So follower of Jesus, the one who knows that eternal life is found in a relationship with Jesus, who can you share the Gospel with in this Christmas season? Maybe it is a coworker, a family member, a friend, someone you randomly encounter, but don't miss out on the opportunity to share about the reason for this season, Jesus Christ!

He is eternal life, so let's share with someone TODAY how they can have eternal life!