The Glory of Christ
"Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see the glory that you have given me . . ."(John 17:24).
Jesus uttered this prayer during the Last Supper, the night before His crucifixion. Jesus knew that soon he would be arrested by the Roman soldiers.
This prayer reflects Jesus' emotional state and concerns for his disciples. As he intercedes for his disciples, one of his primary concerns is for the disciples to see the glory that the Father has given Him. He knew that by having such a heavenly experience, all the sufferings that his disciples would experience would not be enough to overcome the consolation and comfort that they would receive in having a glimpse of His glory.
Interestingly, an English Puritan and theologian reflecting on this text had come up with a 500-page book. I have been reading it for several days now and I am now on page 360. In this post, I just want to share two inspiring quotes taken from the book:
Are we, or any of us, burdened with a sense of sin? Are we perplexed with temptations? Are we bowed down under the oppression of any spiritual adversary? Do we, on any of these accounts, “walk in darkness and have no light?” One view of the glory of Christ herein can support us and relieve us (John Owen, The Works of John Owen Volume 1: The Glory of Christ, 1965, p. 331).
This is that glory of Christ whereof one view by faith will scatter all the fear, answer all the objections, and give relief against all the despondencies, of poor, tempted, doubting souls; and an anchor it will be unto all believers, which they may cast within the veil, to hold them firm and steadfast in all trials, storms, and temptations in life and death (ibid., p. 359).
The above two quotes talk about the kind of consolation a believer can have by seeing the glory of Christ. If Owen is correct in his interpretation, there is no wonder why Jesus prayed for such an experience for his disciples before His crucifixion.
Witnessing the glory of Christ has enough power to set us free from any kind of sin that oppresses us. The glory of Christ can bring a believer such height of relief and comfort in whatever difficult circumstances he is facing in life.
Moreover, having a glimpse of Christ's glory will cast away all our fears and doubts, and whatever trials in life that made us despondent. Seeing the glory of Christ will give us the strength to remain firm and steadfast no matter how strong the storms that we face in life.