What Do You Know?

WHAT DO YOU KNOW?

“Now they have known that all things whatsoever thou hast given me are of thee.” - John 17:7

Have you ever taken an IQ test? I don't think I ever have... or I was too dumb to know what it was! Some believe that a high score on IQ test indicates that the person is highly intelligent. Of course, “highly intelligent” people have made dumb mistakes like I have. Although this fact doesn't excuse my dumb errors, it does make me feel a little better to know I am not alone with such stupid mistakes.

Life is a classroom unto itself. Whether we like it or not, all of us are enrolled in the school of daily living. Although I've been in this class for decades, I still feel like I am in kindergarten. When it comes to life's most difficult lessons, I seem to be a slow learner. The more I learn, the more I realize how little I really know.

It is important to know certain things. Of course, you know your name. You probably can provide the physical address where you live. You can recite your phone number. The date of your birthday is something you haven't forgotten. You may even know your social security number.

But when we are pressed about the most significant matters of life, can we honestly report what we know? Do you know that God exists? Do you know that Jesus is Lord? Do you know that you are saved? Can you honestly say, “yes,” in response to these questions? Ultimately, these issues are more important than your title at work or the details of your financial portfolio.

When Jesus prayed to the Father in John 17, He spoke of His disciples when He said, “Now they have known that all things whatsoever thou hast given me are of thee.” This was something the disciples knew. More than believing, they knew some things. They knew that “... that all things whatsoever thou hast given me are of thee.”

Our Lord's ministry on earth was in response to His Father's will. He was sent here. He was given what He needed to accomplish His mission. You see, in spite of being divine Himself, Jesus lived in dependence on the Father.

In John 8:28, the Bible says, “Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things.” In John 14:24, Jesus said, “He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me.” Furthermore, in John 5:19, the Bible says, “Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise.”

The disciples were taught that Jesus came to earth in accordance to His Father's will. Additionally, they were taught that all Jesus had and all He did were from the Father and were designed to glorify the Father.

Yes, the disciples were taught by the great Teacher and were not swayed by the opinions of the crowd or the criticism of political leaders. These same disciples would ultimately teach what they were taught. Some of them would even be inspired to write books that would be included in our New Testament. We are still learning from them.

These days there are many who wish to inform us. News outlets are constantly teaching from their platform. Politicians try to teach us from their speeches. Even friends and co-workers use daily conversations to share a tidbit of “news” or gossip. Everyone seeks to persuade us by telling convincing stories. Personally, I know of some who seem to be constantly living in fear or anxiety because of the news.

Rather than living by fear, we are called to live by faith. This comes by opening our Bibles rather than the newspaper. Faith comes by hearing the Word. The message we need today is the very message that Jesus taught His disciples. This message needs to be taught to your children and your children's children.

What do you know? Let me answer for myself. I know that God sits on the throne. He created everything. God has revealed Himself to us through His Word, the Bible. He sent His Son, the Lord Jesus, to die for my sins that I may have eternal life through Him. I know that Jesus rose from the dead and has returned to heaven. He is at the right hand of the Father making intercession for me. I know that He hears and answers when I pray. I know that He still saves souls and still changes lives. I know He is coming again soon. Knowing these things are the most important things a person can possibly know.

What do you know?

Jesus and His Disciples

 JESUS & HIS DISCIPLES

“I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them me; and they have kept thy word.” - John 17:6

Charles “Tremendous” Jones is known for saying, “You will be the same person in five years as you are today except for the people you meet and the books you read.” I would probably add to that list, but I do agree that the books you read and the people you associate with will greatly impact that kind of person you become. Many young people have been led astray by the bad company they have kept. On the other hand, some have become honorable people because of the strong, healthy relationships they've maintained.

Think about the group that Jesus chose to hang around with. They weren't statesmen, politicians or wealthy entrepreneurs. The twelve men that were chosen were common men. These guys were working men. Some of them had a rough edge. On the surface, they didn't seem very impressive.

In John 17, Jesus prays for these men. Jesus said, “I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world.” Jesus spent time with these men, pouring into their lives. He taught them. They observed His character, conduct and conversations. He made an investment in their lives. Most of all, He revealed the truth to them. Jesus said, “I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me...” They were taught about the Father and His will.

Notice that Jesus said that He revealed the Father's Name to them. These days, names don't have the impact they once did. Parents give children rather unusual names these days, simply seeking to be different or creative in the name choice. In Biblical times, names had a great deal of meaning.

Yet there is Name that is above all others. Many have an utter disregard of this Name. Others only use it as they swear or curse. Yet it is a holy Name. The Name of the Lord is to be reverenced. His Name is to be respected.

It bothers me to hear unbelievers use the Name of the Lord in vain. I am offended when they use His Name as part of their profanity. I am more bothered that professing believers use His Name so carelessly. His Name is holy and should be treated with the awe and respect that it deserves.

Notice how Jesus refers to His disciples in this verse: “... the men which thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them me; and they have kept thy word.” According to Jesus, the disciples were given to Him by the Father. Yes, the disciples chose to follow Jesus, but they did that in response to the Lord's calling.

The choice of the disciples is very interesting. They weren't chosen based on education, experience or appearance. Some may have called them misfits. Yet God showed His awesome power through common earthly vessels. Even today, the most treasured saints aren't known for their college degrees or natural beauty. It seems as though the most unqualified people are used most by the Lord. In 1 Corinthians 1:27, Paul put it this way, “But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty.” God chooses the most unusual people to accomplish the most amazing feats. Through it all, His power is displayed for His glory.

Finally, Jesus said, “... they have kept thy word.” Earlier, in John 14:15, Jesus told His disciples, “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” These days, there is a lack of preaching from pulpits about the subject of obedience. I wish to be clear about something. I do NOT believe that a person is saved by works. A person is saved by grace through faith in Christ Jesus. While I do not believe a person is saved by works, I believe that a saved person will have a desire to work after salvation. That was the case with the disciples. That's way it should be with us today.

Jesus specifically talked to His Father about His disciples. He cared for them. Thus it is no surprise that He would pray for them.

I have a prayer list, don't you? Yet there are times I don't consult a list. Certain people are so dear to me that I don't have to refer to a list to pray for them. Jesus didn't need a list either. He had walked with this men for over three years and knew them very well. He prayed for them.

He cares for us as well and is presently interceding for us.

Can you think of a more comforting truth than this?

Return To Glory

 RETURN TO GLORY

“And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.” - John 17:5

The human memory is a marvelous thing. For us to remember events from the past (often with clarity) is truly amazing. Sports fans recall, with joy, the season their team won a championship. Public servants remember the height of their political career. Actors are invited on talk shows to reminisce about their most successful projects. Even in the church, older members like to recall the “good ole days,” when their church experienced extraordinary growth.

In our text, Jesus is praying to His Father about a return to His glory. He once enjoyed a special place with His Father. Now, as He approached the end of His earthly life, Jesus made a special request to His Father. He prayed for a return to the glory He once enjoyed.

Hebrews 12:2 says, “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Notice how Jesus endured the misery of the cross. The Bible says, “... who for the joy that was set before him.” Jesus looked beyond the cross and saw the joy & glory that awaited Him.

Sometimes we must face difficult situations. We are not promised a life of ease. Pain, problems and heartaches do come. Perhaps you are facing the greatest trial of your life right now. When you face such an ordeal, it is tempting to quit.   Yet quitting is not an option. How can we make it through the painful events of life? Like Jesus, we need to look beyond the grief to the glory. While we enjoy mountain-top experiences, we often must travel through the valleys. Brothers and sisters, look ahead. Glory is waiting just beyond this life of pain and problems.

Although we refer to heaven as “glory,” this is not primarily what Jesus was praying about in our text. Instead, He is referring to the position of majesty He once enjoyed with the Father in heaven.

In our Lord's prayer, Jesus prayed, “O Father, glorify thou me...” There is nothing more special for a man than to receive the praise and appreciation of his earthly father. Sadly, most boys grow up without such affirmation. Yet more than once during His earthly ministry, Jesus was praised by His Father, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” Now as His ministry draws to a close, Jesus asks His Father to glorify Him. Jesus did not seek the glory of men, but the glory of the Father.

In His prayer, we learn about this glory. Jesus prayed, “... glorify thou me with thine own self...” The glory that Jesus prayed about was not to be experienced on earth, but in the Father's presence. To be bestowed with glory in the presence of the Father is the highest honor known … but it was reserved for the Son, Jesus Christ. He is worthy of such glory.

Jesus prayed that the Father would glorify Him, “...with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.” Jesus once enjoyed immense glory with the Father. Temporarily, He placed it aside to come to earth. Paul referred to Jesus in Philippians 2:6-8 when he wrote, “Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.”

Jesus taught His disciples that if they wished to be great, they must first of all be servants. In Matthew 22:27-28, Jesus said, “... whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.” Jesus taught and modeled this truth. In Luke 22:27, Jesus said, “For whether is greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth? is not he that sitteth at meat? but I am among you as he that serveth.”

James 4:10 states, “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.” That is a great word for us … but didn't Jesus already model this for us? He humbled Himself when He came to earth and died. “Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Jesus humbled Himself, but now He has been exalted. Now, and forever, He is enjoying the glory that He deserves.

Soon we will see Him in all His glory!

Finishing Well

FINISHING WELL

“I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do.” - John 17:4

I must confess that there have been many times that I've started a project with great enthusiasm, only to quit later after the excitement dissipated. Fortunately, many of these projects were not a grand scale.

I've passed by buildings that were constructed for business … only to remain empty after construction ceased. I suspect the projects were underfunded.

Sadly, I've seen many people come to church and even make a profession of faith, then slowly depart from the church, eventually never returning. The Christian life is not a sprint, it is more like a marathon. It is a long race. The race can be difficult at times, yet it is ultimately worth every mile.

As Jesus prayed in John 17, He was nearing the end of His race. His life was coming to an end. Soon He would be arrested, tried and crucified. Without question, Jesus finished His race well. Can the same be said of us?

How does a person finish well? How can we know that the Father will ultimately say, "Well done, good and faithful servant," when we stand before Him? I think we learn from our Lord's example.

In John 17:4, Jesus gives us insight about two ways in which He finished well. Let's consider them and examine our own lives in light of this.

EXALTING THE FATHER

The first thing that Jesus had done in His life, was glorify His Father. In our text, Jesus said, “I have glorified thee on the earth..." Sadly, this is in contrast to the way most Americans live. We don't seek to glorify God. We live to glorify and satisfy ourselves. We want to be noticed. We desire the praise of men. We yearn for worldly success so that others will be impressed.

Our Lord, on the other hand, did not seek the applause of men. Instead, He lived to praise and please His Father.

Where are the people today who seek to only glorify the Lord? Where are the men who are willing to do whatever it takes to please the Lord? Where are the Christians who have no desire for worldly applause but only want the Lord to be praised in all they do?

By the way, why can't that be us?

FULFILLING THE FATHER'S PLAN

In our text, Jesus said, "I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do.” Jesus came to earth on a mission. It was His Father's mission. Ultimately, His mission would lead to the cross. Everything in His life pointed to Calvary.

Jesus came to redeem sinners. There on the cross, Jesus would give His life for us. The old rugged cross was the place where the justice of God met the mercy of God. There in a grand display of love, Jesus died for you and me.

On the cross of Calvary, Jesus said, "It is finished." The plan of salvation was completed for us, evidenced by the resurrection of Jesus. We should have gratitude every day for the work Jesus completed for us. I am saved by grace, not by my works. I am saved because of His work, not my own. Salvation hinges upon the finished work of our Lord on Calvary and His resurrection from the dead.

Jesus fulfilled the Father's plan. You and I are part of that magnificent plan.

Jesus finished well. He glorified His Father by fulfilling His plan. What about you? Each day you get closer to the end of your earthly life. If your life were to end today, would you finish well? Are you glorifying the Lord daily? Are you accomplishing the work He has given you?

We should live daily with the end in mind. In John 9:4, Jesus said, "I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.” That is how Jesus lived. Every day, He was faithful in doing the work the Father gave Him to do. He knew His time was limited, so He remained faithful until the end.

You and I have just a short time to live. Life on earth is short and full of surprises. I often think about the words of Ray Comfort, who once said, "Live every day like it is your last day because one day you will be right."

The finish line is just ahead. As the race of life draws to a close, I want to be like Jesus and finish well.

What about you?

Experiencing Eternal Life

 EXPERIENCING ETERNAL LIFE

“And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” - John 17:3

Eternal life. Sounds great, doesn't it? Life is a gift from the Father above. Eternal life is also a gift, chosen by the Father, purchased by the Son and provided by the Holy Spirit.

Mankind has been pursing his own version of everlasting life for some time now. We seek medical breakthroughs, hoping to increase life expectancy. We emphasize healthy choices with the intent of prolonging life here on earth. The goal, it seems, is to ultimately increase life expectancy until death is obliterated. Of course, mankind cannot and will not achieve this. Yet Jesus has. He defeated death, hell and grave. Through His death upon the cross and resurrection from the grave, life has won and death is doomed. Ultimately, death will be the final enemy that is eliminated.

When talking with His Father, Jesus prayed, “And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” Eternal life is found in knowing God through Jesus Christ.

Many people confuse a knowledge of Christ with knowing Christ. Many can use the Christian jargon without personally experiencing any of it. It is possible to talk about doctrine or difficult passages of Scripture and yet never know Jesus Christ personally.

I know about the man who is serving as President of the United States. Yet I don't know him personally. I can tell you several things about him, his family, his beliefs and his past, but I've never shaken his hand or spoken with him. He's never invited me to the White House for a special meal. He doesn't call me on the phone so we can have a friendly chat. Yes, I know about him, but I don't know him personally.

This describes how most people relate with the Lord. They know about Him. Perhaps they know much from Sunday School or church attendance. Maybe they've learned some things from a television or internet preacher. It could be that they know many of the Christian songs that are sung at worship services. But they can't honestly say that they know the Lord in a very personal way.

Yet to know Him is to love Him. When we meet Him, He steps into our lives. We begin to experience spiritual life because of the One lives within. This life is eternal.

Most people are existing, but not really living. Christ is not just the path to life, He is life. His presence in a man's heart brings spiritual life that is unmistakable.

Eternal life is received as we know God through Jesus Christ. It is a genuine experience of love that cannot be purchased or earned. Eternal life is a gift. We enjoy everlasting life when we meet the Lord and experience His divine grace.

There are many experiences in life that a man may enjoy. Yet these experiences are secondary to the divine miracle of saving grace.

I realize that some in the Christian community frown when I use the word, “experience.” Yet salvation is an experience. When a man passes from death unto life, it is an experience. It is a miracle. It is a work of God. Some have buried experience beneath a load of scholarship. While I commend people for studying, our study of Scripture should lead us to know the Lord in a personal way. Furthermore, as believers, we should seek growing levels of experiential knowledge as we grow closer to Christ.

“That I may know him...” were the words that Paul wrote to the Philippians. Obviously, Paul wanted to know Christ even better. He wanted an intimate walk with His Lord. Shouldn't we?

In John 10:10, Jesus said, “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” Jesus came to give us life. Real life. Spiritual life. Abundant life. Eternal life. The real issue is not His willingness to give us this life, but our willingness to receive it.

Eternal life is not found at some utopia place like the fountain of youth. Medical science cannot produce it. Only Jesus Christ can provide it. It is a gift that we simply receive. The Bible says, “... the gift of God is eternal life...”

Have you received this gift? If not, receive this gift right now by faith.

Eternal Life

ETERNAL LIFE

“As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him.” - John 17:2

Most humans believe that there is nothing more important than life itself. Yet Psalm 63:3 says, “... thy lovingkindness is better than life.” The source of life is better than life itself. When we properly understand this and appropriate this fact through faith in Christ, we truly begin to live.

As we continue our trip through our Lord's longest recorded prayer, we arrive at John 17:2, where Jesus speaks to His Father about eternal life. As followers of Jesus, we should find comfort and hope in this verse. This verse speaks about eternal life, something that each of us should consider significant. Our Lord prays to the Father about two things: power and purpose. Let's consider them both.

First of all, Jesus prays about His power. “As thou hast given him power over all flesh.” Most politicians are consumed with the prospect of having power. Yet the power they seek to obtain is limited. It is limited in its reach, because political power only impacts a fraction of the population. Secondly, it is limited in its duration. A politician can only serve a few years. His power is temporary. In contrast, the Lord has power, “over all flesh.” Furthermore, His power is not limited by time because He will reign forever.

After His resurrection, Jesus said, “All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.” His power is not restricted in any way. While many wish to remove power from His grasp, they are unable to do so. Ultimately, everyone will bow in submission to Him (see Philippians 2:9-11).

As part of His power, Jesus has the power to give life. John 1:12 says, “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.” We are accustomed to men abusing power, but our Lord is using His power for good things, while at the same time staying true to His character of holiness and justice.

Secondly, our text refers to His purpose: “... that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him.” Referring to Jesus, John 1:4 says, “In him was life...” Jesus referred to Himself as life in John 14:6: “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” It is true that He came to give us life, but we must also recognize that He is life. He is giving us Himself. When we give ourselves to Him at conversion, He gives Himself to us and lives within us.

“As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him.” Notice what He gives to His followers: ETERNAL LIFE. Let's consider this for a moment.

Notice that He came to give us life. Once we were dead in trespasses and sins. Yes, we existed physically, but we were dead spiritually. Jesus came and gave us life. Many years old, the Speer Family sang a song that featured Dad Speer. It was an up-tempo song called, “I Just Began To Live.” The song described how a person experiences new life in Christ. Regardless of his age, when a sinner meets Jesus, he just begins to live.

Also, consider the duration of the life He brings. It is ETERNAL life. It isn't temporary life or conditional life. It is eternal life. A person receives eternal life the moment he believes. Physical death does not initiate this life. Salvation does. Thus, eternal life does not begin at death, it begins with the new birth. Since it is eternal life, it has no end. Physical death is inevitable for each of us. Yet when a person dies in Christ Jesus, he goes to be with Jesus. His spiritual life never ceases. Jesus said, “I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live.”

Jesus offers eternal life as a free gift. Paul put it this way, “... the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Eternal life cannot be purchased or earned. Instead, it must be received, by faith, as a gift. You see, eternal life is an expensive gift. It costs more than we could ever afford. It isn't cheap. Jesus paid for this gift with His shed blood on the cross. It is a precious gift. It is a gift of love, chosen by the Father, purchased by the Son and is presented by the Holy Spirit.

Have you received this free gift of eternal life? If not, make this the moment you do so.

Glory To His Name

GLORY TO HIS NAME

“These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee.” - John 17:1

I still love many of the old hymns. Although I love many new songs, the old hymns seem to be so rich with theology and have such deep emotional impact. One of the hymns that I love is the song, “Glory To His Name.” The lyrics were written by Elisha A. Hoffman in 1878. It is believed that he wrote the song while meditating on the crucifixion of Jesus. The song relates the impact the crucifixion has on our lives today. The chorus expresses praise to the Lord for His marvelous work in our lives.

In a world where most people live for their own glory, the Christian faith stands in stark contrast. Properly lived out, Christianity is all about the glory of God. A genuinely converted person seeks to bring glory to God. The Lord is worthy of such glory and praise.

In John chapter 17, we find the longest recorded prayer of our Lord. In this chapter of Scripture, we get a glimpse of the intimate conversation Jesus had with His Father. Although this chapter can be read in about four minutes or less, it would be wise to stop and meditate on the words of this remarkable prayer.

In verse 1, the Bible says that Jesus lifted up His eyes and prayed. I am reminded what the Psalmist wrote in Psalm 121: “I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.” I think there is something here for all of us to learn. In critical moments, it is better to look up to the Father rather than look down in doubt.

It was a critical hour for our Lord. He said, “The hour is come.” Jesus was nearing the cross. Everything had been leading up to this vital moment. Although Jesus had accomplished much during His ministry, the main objective of His mission would be a cruel death upon a cross.

Next, Jesus made a request to the Father: “...glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee.” Jesus asked the Father to glorify Him.

Sadly, many Christians would only echo the first part of the prayer and not the last. We want God to glorify us. We want to be lifted up. However, we'd prefer that this occur on our terms rather than the Lord's. You see, the Bible says, “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.” We like being lifted up, but not at the expense of our pride or comfort.

Our Lord was about to face the most humiliating, painful and draining experience of His life. In light of this, He prayed, “...glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee.” Jesus would be lifted up … on a cross. He had foretold of this event when He said, “And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.” While reading this quote, you may be tempted to think that the phrase, “... if I be lifted up...” refers to our praise. But that is not the case. Others think that it is speaking about His ascension back to the Father. Instead, He is referring to His crucifixion. On the cross He was lifted up from the earth. It is the cross that draws men unto Him. The preaching of the cross saves souls. We need more preaching about the cross these days!

Yet there is also a truth that Jesus looked beyond the cross to His resurrection and ascension. The writer of the book of Hebrews refers to Jesus when He wrote, “... who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Writing to the Philippians, Paul wrote, “And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name.”

Because of the cross, our Lord has been exalted. Jesus glorified the Father through His obedience and sacrifice. Today, we glorify the Father even more because of the work of His Son. The Father glorified His Son and His Son has glorified the Father.

While many in the church wish to receive glory, there aren't many who wish to use such glory to praise the Father. No wonder such glory is rare these days. God doesn't seek to bless us so we can live independent of Him. He seeks to bless us for our good … and for His glory.

I think most Christians want to glorify the Lord, but I have a question for you to ponder. What if God is most glorified through your suffering … would you still want God to be glorified? That was the case for Jesus. God was glorified through the death of His Son. He is also glorified as we pick up our cross daily and follow Jesus.

The Father was glorified on the cross & our sins were paid for by the blood Jesus shed there. Jesus did it all for our good and for the glory of His Father.

Glory to His Name!