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

Our Lord Jesus describes in John 17 four summaries of how He stewarded His life before His crucifixion. Each one offers an example for us.

First, He glorified the Father. Do we give God the Father glory, or credit, throughout the day, out loud, and even in our hearts? After all, He made us and loves us.

Second, Jesus finished the work that the Father had given Him to do. One of the main works Jesus did was to love His disciples until the end. He made them the pillars of the church. Praise the Father that He gave His Son that work to do! Praise the Son who finished it so that we could hear the gospel in order to be saved from our sins and so we could have fellowship with other believers! Are we faithfully finishing the work He has given us?

Third, Jesus said, “I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world” (v. 6). “Manifest” here is translated from phaneróo. It means to make visible or real. Jesus made His Father’s name visible to His disciples by obeying the Father every moment. Do we manifest His name by submitting our time, talent, and desires to the Father?

Last, “I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me” (v. 8). “Words” here does not necessarily mean Bible verses but words fitly spoken (aloud) for His disciples’ growth. For example, “let your speech be always with grace” (Colossians 4:6). May it be said of us who prayerfully glorify the Father, finish His work, manifest His name, and speak His words, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21). BDT