Study 7

Text: John 17

REVIEW AND REFLECTION

How do we cultivate a deeper prayer-life? As we take time to study the Prayer of the Lord Jesus recorded in John 17, we cannot but observe that He practised "review and reflection" as His way of communing with His Father.

What were some of the things He reviewed and reflected on?

• The hour of His death (John 17:1).
• The glorifying of His Father (John 17:1).
• The authority given Him in His ministry on earth (John 17:2).
• Eternal life (John 17:2).
• Those who had come to Him for eternal life (John 17:2).

Each thought reviewed and reflected upon would have taken much time! Each thought was brought to His Father in prayer. What a wonderful time of communion Jesus must have had with His Father. If we wish to deepen our prayer life, then we must emulate the example of the Lord Jesus Christ! We must train ourselves to review and reflect!

"I HAVE GLORIFIED YOU ON THE EARTH..." John 17:4

One of the things that we would do well to review and to reflect in prayer often is with reference to how we have glorified God on the earth. Jesus was able to say from the bottom of His heart that He had glorified His Father on earth! Can we say the same? How did the Lord Jesus "glorify" His Father on earth? Actually, His whole existence on earth brought full glory to His Father. However, let us look at this reflection from the angle stated in the following words, "And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the ONLY TRUE GOD, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent" (John 17:3).

1.  The Lord Jesus carefully, accurately and faithfully proclaimed who God was to the multitudes!

• He had to face very hostile enemies in His life and ministry, nevertheless He continued to proclaim His understanding of God fearlessly.
• He had to struggle with the fact that there were MANY who did not understand His teachings, for they were deemed to be too "hard" (John 6:60). However, Jesus refused to water down His teachings. He couldn't if He wanted to truly glorify His Father.
• There were some who became His Disciples - for they had understood Him correctly! They understood who He was, and who He represented!

2  The Lord Jesus also had to be ALL that He was meant to be... "Jesus (the) Christ whom You have sent" (John 17:3).

• The ministry of the Lord Jesus involved the deep teaching of God's Word.
• The ministry of the Lord Jesus also involved the healing of the many who turned to Him for help.
• There was another aspect... little understood by all. He did not just wear the Name Jesus Christ. He had to be Jesus (Saviour) and Christ (The Messiah). He was more than just a Person with a great name. He had to live up to His Name! That is certainly no easy task!

TAKE TIME TO REVIEW AND REFLECT

Take time to review and reflect on the following:-

• Have you spoken of your faith and understanding of God?
• Have you been fearless and faithful in holding fast to your faith despite opposition?
• Have you lived up to your name as "a child of God?"
• Have you been courageous and effective as a Disciple of the Lord Jesus?

Review and reflect on the above, bearing in mind the context of glorifying God! As you review and reflect, you will begin to appreciate the significance of having a deep prayer-life!

~ Pastor Charlie Tan ~

First released 17 June 2001 © Bethany Independent-Presbyterian Church, Singapore