[5] And now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had with you before the world existed. (John 17:5)
There is always a risk that we embrace Jesus’ human nature while downplaying his divine nature. This passage is a powerful reminder that Jesus was equally human and divine.
There are times when we truly need reminders that Jesus is fully human. We need reassurance that Jesus lived the life we couldn’t live for ourselves. We take comfort in Jesus’ suffering, knowing he truly empathizes with our suffering.
However, solely focusing on Jesus’ human nature risks our becoming too familiar with Jesus. We may start seeing Jesus as our “friend,” but not our Lord. We may view Jesus as our “companion” on the road of life, but not as the returning judge of all people.
We have a healthy relationship with God when we see Jesus as both true man and true God. This passage in John chapter 17 is a great reminder. We empathize with Jesus more during his passion than any other time in his earthly ministry. Yet, on the night when he was betrayed, Jesus is asking the Father to again glorify Jesus. Even as Jesus awaits his arrest in Jerusalem, we are reminded of his divine nature.
Kevin Wilson 360 