Focal Passages: John 17:1-8, 20-26
As the New Year has begun, have you set goals for 2014? Our lesson title for this week is “Honor Jesus.”
How would your life change if that was your one goal for 2014? We often think first about goals in the category of exercise or diet, but spiritual goals are so much more important!
In John 17, Jesus states, “I have glorified You on the earth by completing the work You gave me to do” (John 17:4). As we consider how we can honor Jesus by completing God’s work, we may want to reflect on our life to this point and evaluate if we are heading in the direction that would result in our coming to a similar conclusion.
As we plan our commitments for 2014, is there a mission trip, an investment in a relationship or a gift we need to follow through on in order to complete the work God has called us to do? Now is the time for us to make that commitment.
Our lesson continues by Jesus stating the ways He had been obedient to God (John 17:6-8).
In order to honor Jesus, we need to be intentional in our obedience. The New Year is a time to choose specific points of action that would illustrate your commitment to obeying God.
In John 17:20-23, Jesus teaches that all believers are to live in unity.Therefore, we look at our relationships in the body of Christ and consider if we are doing all that we can do to live in unity.
We are also reminded in John 17 that we can anticipate that in heaven.
We will be able to honor Jesus forever.
Jesus states, “Father, I desire those You have given Me to be with Me where I am” (v. 24). Oh, glorious day!
Our lesson suggests that we can honor Jesus by completing God’s work through demonstrating obedience, through living in unity and by anticipating that we will live with Him for now and forever.
Whatever the specific goal we may have for this year, may it honor Jesus.