John 17:1-5

Be Still: Lord, help me to be still before you. Help me to listen. Help me to receive. I ask that you transform my heart and my mind as I choose to spend this moment with you today. Amen.

Read: John 17:1-5

Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. (v3) 

Encounter: As we begin John 17, we come to Jesus' most extensive recorded prayer. Knowing he was about to be arrested by Roman soldiers and be crucified, he prays that God would be glorified in his life and in what was about to occur.

I love that as he prays, he's bringing clarity around the meaning of eternal life: 'Now this is eternal life: that they know you.' We might think eternal life is about living forever, streets of gold, perfect peace and no more pain. But Jesus reveals that it’s not just a future destination, but a relationship. Eternal life begins the moment we put our trust in Jesus. 

Earlier, in John 14:6, Jesus says, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me’. Many people know about God, but through Jesus we can truly know God: like a child knows their mother or father, or as a friend knows a friend. Imagine knowing God like you know your best friend! You probably know what they like to do for fun, what gets them flowing in a conversation, where they love to hang out, and what moves their heart. That's the 'knowing' Jesus is talking about. 

This kind of relationship changes everything. When we truly know God, we trust him, obey him, find our joy in his presence. We don’t have to wait until Heaven to experience the abundant life Jesus offers. It is available now, as we seek him through our prayers, worship, faith and as we align ourselves to his desires. Eternal life begins now and extends far beyond this earthly one.

'In this world we are familiar with the truth that it is a blessing and an inspiration to know certain people. Much more is it the case when we know God.' *

Apply: Today as we spend time in our reading, prayer, communion or a walk with God, ask him to reveal more of his character, what he loves and what moves his heart. 

Devote: Lord, thank you for the gift of eternal life through your son, Jesus. Help me to know you intimately and more deeply each day. Teach me to listen to your voice and walk closely with you. Let my relationship with you be the source of my joy and purpose. 

* David Gusik: Enduring Word Commentary