Hour of Honor

Jesus’ prayer fills this chapter and unfolds in three phases: for himself (1-5), for his disciples (6-19), and for the church of the future (20-26). Within the prayer are themes and ideas we have heard earlier in John. Yet this chapter shows with a deeper intensity and intimacy the contact and communion between Father and Son. It soars to a new level, setting the whole account of Jesus’ time on earth within the high purpose of heaven. In some ways it echoes the opening verses of John–Jesus has come from God, and is one with God. Yet it completes the circle too, drawing his journey back to the place where it began.

“The hour has come” (1). Often in John, Jesus’ “hour” has been mentioned (2:4; 7:30; 8:20). At first we might have wondered when this “hour” would be and what it would bring, but by now the Gospel story has made clear that this will be the hour of Jesus’ departure and of his crucifixion (12:23; 13:1). Yet in his leaving and in his dying there will be glory–not only the glory of the resurrection, but glory in the cross as well, the glory of obedience, of a task fulfilled, of a life given to God in both strength and suffering.

Throughout the Gospel Jesus has pursued his Father’s will, done the Father’s work and sought the Father’s honor and praise (4:34; 5:36; 5:41; 7:18; 8:50). Now he asks for the Father to glorify him–not as a calculated reward, but as a reflection of the relationship in which he has lived, a validation of the faith and path he has chosen. It is often that way as we serve God: it is the life given away, poured out in service and love, that God will honor most truly and use most fully.

When we give to God of our substance or ourselves, what can we rightly ask God to give to us?