In John chapter 17 we find the remarkable prayer of our Lord Jesus Christ, reaching up to His Father as He is proceeding toward the Garden of Gethsemane.  This is the longest prayer recorded in the New Testament scripture.  His crucifixion was imminent.   While the prayer primarily concerns those Apostles who had labored with Him, Jesus also prayed for us “Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word” (vs 20).

Jesus begins His prayer by affirming His desire to glorify (honor or magnify) the Father and indicating that His sacrifice on the cross would provide this glorification (John 12:27-33).

Jesus said that God had given Him the power over all flesh that He should give eternal life. (vs 2) and that life eternal was to know the only true God and Jesus Christ (vs 3).  He then stated that He had finished the work which the Father had given Him to do (vs 4).

In John 3:16-21 the obedient believer is promised everlasting life. Both God and Jesus Christ have done their part.  The only question is will we do our part?  Will we like Christ finish the work that we have been commanded to do?  Will we reach up toward heaven in obedience?  Will we finish our course? (1 Tim 4:7).  Will we be found faithful at death?  The choice is ours.

Keep the faith.