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Scripture Focus: John 17

In Gospel of John 17, Jesus Christ reveals something profound about the heart of our faith. In John 17:3, He says, “Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.”

Eternal life is not only something we will receive one day—it begins now. It is to know God. Not just to know about Him, but to live in relationship with Him, to walk with Him daily.

This is why, in John 17:4, Jesus speaks about finishing the work the Father gave Him to do and bringing Him glory on earth. This becomes our desire as well: that God would help us finish the work He has given us, and that our lives would bring Him glory. And how do we do this? By living a life led by the Holy Spirit, doing what He has called us to do, and walking in obedience to His will.

As we live this way, something begins to grow within us. In John 17:13, Jesus prays “that they may have the full measure of my joy within them.” This shows us that a life connected to God is not empty—it is filled with His joy. Not temporary happiness, but a deep, lasting joy that comes from knowing Him.

But this life also requires alignment with truth. In John 17:17, Jesus says, “Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.”To be sanctified means to be set apart and transformed. And this happens as we live according to God’s truth. His Word shapes us, corrects us, and leads us into the life He desires for us.

And this transformation is not meant to happen in isolation. In John 17:23, Jesus prays that we would be one in Him—“I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity.” This unity reflects God’s love. It shows the world that Jesus was sent by the Father and that we are loved just as He is loved.

Then in John 17:26, Jesus continues by saying that He has made the Father known so that the love of God may be in us, and that He Himself may be in us. This brings everything together: to know God is to receive His love, to live in it, and to reflect it.

So the message is this: eternal life begins with knowing God, and that knowledge transforms how we live. As we walk in truth, are led by the Spirit, live in unity, and carry His love, our lives begin to reflect Him. And in doing so, we bring Him glory here on earth.

Prayer:
Lord, I want to continue knowing You more each day. Help me to live in accordance with Your truth and to walk in the work You have given me to do. Fill me with Your joy, unite me with others in Your love, and let my life bring You glory here on earth. Amen.