Glorify the Son

Beholding the Glory of Jesus in the High Priestly Prayer

Outline: Reasons Jesus Christ is Worthy of Glory

The Authority He Possesses
The Life He Gives
The Work He Accomplishes
The Divine Nature of His Being
The People He Was

Scripture List:

Worship Song List:

His Glory and My Good
Is He Worthy?
We Will Glorify
Majesty
Praise Him! Praise Him!

Glorify the Son: Reasons Christ Alone is Worthy

In John 17, Jesus lifts His eyes to heaven and reveals His heart—glorify the Son. This prayer proclaims why Jesus alone is worthy of glory: His divine authority, life-giving power, accomplished work, eternal being, and chosen people.

Beholding the Glory of Christ

John 17 opens with Jesus’ high priestly prayer. As He prepares to go to the cross, He asks the Father to glorify the Son. This request isn't selfish—it reveals the eternal purpose of God: to glorify the Son so that He may glorify the Father. Every believer must pause here. The weight of divine glory isn’t distant—it is personal, redemptive, and transformative.

Five Reasons Jesus Is Worthy of Glory

Christ is not merely a teacher or prophet—He possesses all authority (Matthew 28:18), gives eternal life (John 5:21), and completed the redemptive work (John 17:4). He came from the Father, full of grace and truth (John 1:14), took on our grief (Isaiah 53:4), and remains unchanging (Hebrews 13:8). All who belong to Him were given to Him by the Father before the world began.

Heaven Declares His Worth

In Revelation 5, heaven explodes with praise: “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain” (Revelation 5:9). The worthiness of Jesus is not debated in heaven—it is declared. Saints and angels fall before Him, echoing the cry of every believer’s heart: “We will glorify the King of kings.”

Living to Glorify the Son Today

The aim of every believer must mirror Christ’s aim—to glorify God. As we meditate on His nature, His power, His sacrifice, and His calling upon our lives, let us respond in worship, obedience, and proclamation. Let our lives sing: “Worthy is the Lamb!”

Key Verses and Commentary

John 17:1 (LSB) “Father, the hour has come; glorify Your Son, that the Son may glorify You.” — Christ’s ultimate concern is the mutual glory of the Trinity through the cross.
Revelation 5:9 (LSB) “Worthy are You… for You were slain…” — Christ’s worthiness is rooted in His sacrificial death.
Matthew 28:18 (LSB) “All authority has been given to Me…” — Jesus now exercises universal divine authority.
Philippians 2:6-8 (LSB) — His humility in incarnation amplifies His divine exaltation.

Key Words

Glory (doxa): Radiance, splendor, divine majesty worthy of honor and worship.
Authority (exousia): Legal and sovereign right to act, command, and judge.
Life (zoē): Eternal, spiritual life that only Christ gives.
Work (ergon): The mission and accomplishment of redemption.
Given (didōmi): A divine act of entrusting people into Christ’s care by the Father.

Key People

Jesus Christ: The eternal Son, divine in nature, who prays to the Father on the eve of His crucifixion to be glorified for accomplishing redemption.
The Father: The One who sent the Son, gives Him people, and glorifies Him through the cross.
The Disciples: Given to the Son by the Father, they are the first recipients of this intimate intercessory prayer.
The Worshiping Hosts (Revelation 5): Angels, elders, and living creatures who declare the Lamb’s worthiness.

From Eternal Glory to Everyday Life

The message Jesus prayed in John 17 was not confined to a moment—it reveals an eternal truth meant to transform us today. The glory of Christ is not only a heavenly chorus but a present reality. It fuels worship, motivates obedience, and drives our mission. What Jesus prayed for, heaven declares—and we must reflect.

Message to Original Audience

Jesus affirmed His divine identity and unity with the Father.
He revealed the eternal plan of salvation.
He expressed the authority and mission granted by the Father.
He interceded for His disciples and all who would believe through them.

Applications for Believers Today

Glorify Christ in Worship: Make much of Jesus in your song, prayer, and proclamation.
Submit to His Authority: Live in joyful obedience to His Word.
Trust in His Life-Giving Power: Rest in the eternal life He alone gives.
Marvel at His Nature: Worship Him as God incarnate, not merely a moral teacher.
Proclaim His Worth: Let your life and lips declare, “He is worthy!”

The Glory That Compels Us

Jesus is worthy of all glory—not merely for what He has done but for who He is. As the eternal Son, the obedient Servant, and the risen Lamb, He reigns forever. Let every knee bow in joyful submission.

John 17:1-8 “Glorify the Son”