1 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. (John 17:1-5)
35 Going a little farther, he fell to the ground and prayed that if possible the hour might pass from him. 36 “Abba, Father,” he said, “everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.” (Mark 14:35-36)
We have now observed how Jesus related to his countrymen, the religious establishment, and his His disciples during Passion Week. Today, we focus on how Jesus related to His Father. The two passages presented above, capture Jesus talking to His Father shortly before His crucifixion. We are fortunate to get front row seats to intimate conversations. There are certainly lessons here about Prayer, Worship, Stewardship, and other Disciplines. What is really exciting though, is the visible model of a relationship with our heavenly Father that all believers should yearn for.
Please read the passages and answer the questions below.
Today’s Questions:
- The passages tell us a lot about how Jesus related to His father. What stands out for you?
- What lessons can you incorporate into your life?
March 24, 2016 at 6:20 am
The 3 times Jesus calls God Father and His comments around accomplishing His Father’s will stand out to me. Father and Abba Father impresses on me the intimacy and love in their relationship. Jesus’ desire to be obedient above all else also speaks to me encouraging me to do likewise.
One lesson for me today is to “go a little farther” in my desire for God’s will to be accomplished over mine.
March 24, 2016 at 9:32 am
There is clearly an intimacy that Jesus has with his Father that is not only shown here but throughout the Gospel of John. Jesus always seems uneasy (if we can use that word) when He was not in relationship with His Father. Their relationship obviously meant all the world to Him. The other highlight for me is subordination. Not My will but Yours. This is really tough given the upcoming circumstances. But He knew that the outcome was far better than the pain he was to go through was and so was worth it.
We can surely use these lessons in our lives, staying close to our Father and obeying Him in everything. It really really works when we do it.
March 24, 2016 at 9:37 am
What stands out for me is Jesus’ obvious respect and reverence to his Father in doing in His will. God sent Jesus on a mission. He has completed almost all aspects of the mission. However, the final part of the mission is emotionally demanding for Jesus.
Jesus’ response is how we as children of God should respond when God requires something of us. Even if we think what God is asking of us is scary, will make us uncomfortable, or even something He wants us to do for someone we don’t even like, we must remind ourselves that His will must be done. God will never and has never failed His children. His will will always benefit us and bring glory to Him. We all should incorporate this mindset in our daily lives.
March 24, 2016 at 10:15 am
It’s so touching to know and see the intimacy obedience and love the son have with the father I pray I will grow more each day in God’s grace to do likewise
March 24, 2016 at 9:43 pm
I love how Jesus emphasizes God’s will be done rather than His own. This is an aspect of my relationship with God that I am trying to strengthen: the act of fully letting go of what I wish to happen and relying on God to lead me down the path He wants. I pray that I can be more like Jesus, fully surrendering to the work the Lord is asking of me.