Takeaways

In this passage, Jesus expresses that His soul is troubled. Several times before this, He had shared, “My time has not yet come.”  But now, the time was arriving.  And even in the impending suffering to come, Jesus prayed, “Father, glorify your name.”

God says, “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.”  God had already been glorified in all the miracles Jesus had done.  But now He would also be glorified in suffering.

We are delighted about the possibility of miracles. Suffering? Not so much. But God often allows suffering for His glory to shine through. This isn’t easy to accept – we are more inclined to pray, “Lord, bring a stop to this suffering” than, “Lord, bring glory to Your name through this suffering.”

Jesus would soon suffer greatly. But His experience at the cross would lead to:

1. Judgment – sin would be dealt with

2. Casting – the ruler of the world, Satan, would be overthrown and rendered powerless

3. Drawing – Jesus would draw all sorts of people to Himself, not just Jews.

Jesus also encourages the disciples to walk closely with Him, the Light, while He is still with them.  We often begin to reflect the characteristics of people with whom we spend the most time.  A deeper relationship with Christ will lead us to also be bearers of light in a dark world. 

What if we began to pray differently? To ask God to glorify Himself in every situation in which we find ourselves?

If you feel troubled, you are in good company.  Jesus also was troubled.  It’s okay. But focus on praying for God’s glory. It may not manifest itself in the way we think it should but His glory is also our good.

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Reflection Prompters

1. What might it mean for you to reflect/bear the light of Jesus in your circle of influence?  Are there people with whom you associate that dull the light of Christ in your life?

2.  Think about the fellow believers you interact with (i.e. cross paths with, sit near at church.)  You might not know their entire story.  Rest assured that as they follow after God, He is glorifying Himself through them.  Ask God who He might want you to get to know a little better at church and for an opportunity to interact with them.

3.  How are you suffering right now? As you have prayed for wisdom, relief, a change of circumstances – also pray for God to make His name great in the situation.

4. What comfort does it bring that Jesus also experienced emotions related to being troubled?  Rejoice that His humanity provided a way for Him to love us even more deeply.

5. Truths to write down, meditate on, and pray over:

• God’s glory is my ultimate goal, and also results in my good.
• I am blessed to have other believers in my life through whom God shows His glory.
• I can reflect God’s light to a dark world.
• God’s glory often shines bright through suffering.

• (From the worship set) 🎶
  Christ be magnified in me!