The time for Jesus to leave the world had come. After speaking with His disciples, Jesus begins to pray to His Father. He shares His heart’s desire—that the Father will glorify Himself. Jesus then exclaims that authority has been given to the Son to give the gift of eternal life to all His disciples.
Now, Jesus unpacks the gift of eternal life. What is this gift? Is it timeless existence? Jesus says that the gift of eternal life is knowing the Father—intimate, experiential knowledge—not just knowing about God or being acquaintances.
Thanks to social media, we have grown accustomed to shallow relationships. But pay attention to the reality of this gift: eternal life is the gift of an intimate relationship with the Father to be experienced now and enjoyed forever.
Jesus modeled for us the relationship we can have with God. Moments earlier, Jesus explained the intimacy of that relationship: “I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you” (John 14:20). This verse defines the relational intimacy Jesus desires to have with us.
How would you describe your relationship with God? Is He an acquaintance? A Father? What can you do to know Him more intimately?
Heavenly Father, to know You is life itself. Teach me to know You; open my eyes that I might see You and my ears that I might hear You. Reveal Yourself to me through Your Word. Deepen my experience of You. To know and glorify You is my heart’s desire. Use me to help others come to know You.
Take Action
Philemon 1:6 says, “I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ.” Look for an opportunity today to share the gift of eternal life with someone who needs to hear this good news. Your experience of God will deepen with greater joy.
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