The Glory and Pass-On of Jesus in John 17:22 - A Revelation of God's Redemptive Plan

John 17:22 is a profound and pivotal verse that delves into the nature of God's glory and the mission of Jesus, providing insights into the redemptive plan and its ultimate completion. This text invites us to explore the core concepts of God's glory, the pass-on of this glory to humanity, and the promise of a coming Kingdom.

Understanding the Context of God's Glory

The verse speaks of the glory that was given to Jesus by the Father and which He in turn passed on to the twelve apostles. In essence, this refers to Isaiah 53, which details the mission of the suffering servant who bears the sins of the world, setting the stage for the ultimate victory of God's chosen One (Christ).

The glory here is not merely a glorified state or a visible manifestation, but it is the successful completion of the Gospel message, as prophesied in the first three chapters of the Book of Genesis and culminating in Revelation 22:20-21. It encompasses the comprehensive narrative of the New Testament, where Jesus, the Son of God and Son of Adam, reveals and executes the divine plan.

Passing on the Glory: A Call to Transformation

Jesus, in His final prayer as recorded in John 17, explains that the glory of the Father was given to Him in order to transform and empower His disciples. This was not a physical or external glory, but rather a divine attribute that could be shared and experienced by those who trusted in Him and followed His teachings.

Through the Apostles, and later through a select group of prophets, Jesus passed on this glory to the world. It is not through human institutions or religious leaders, such as popes, theologians, or preachers, that this glory is realized. Instead, it is through the Holy Spirit, the manifestation of Jesus’ very presence, that individuals can experience the incomprehensible and awe-inspiring glory of God.

The Revelation of God's Redemptive Plan

The text also alludes to the prophecy of Genesis 6:4 and the return of the rejected Crucified and Resurrected Hebrew King. This is a crucial aspect of the Gospel narrative, as it points to the ultimate and resounding victory over the forces of darkness and evil. It is the restoration of the Hebrew race and the redemption of humanity from total destruction.

The true Kingdom of God, as Jesus taught, is not a physical entity or land, but a spiritual realm where the King (God) resides within the hearts of His people. The transformation begins with the belief in Jesus as the Son of God and the acceptance of His teachings. This internal kingdom, or realm of God, is accessible to all through the renewal of the Holy Spirit, rather than through religious constructs or outdated paradigms.

The Message of Personal Spiritual Transformation

The passage in John 17:20-26 emphasizes the importance of knowing and becoming one with God. It challenges the traditional understanding of religious structures and paradigms, advocating for a direct and personal relationship with God. The message is clear: God is not an external concept but a living presence within us all.

Through the power of the Holy Spirit, believers are called to live in righteousness and truth, embodying the glory of God in their lives. This concept is further elucidated in John 14:6, where Jesus states, 'I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.' This statement asserts the special and irreplaceable role of Jesus in the journey of spiritual transformation and ultimate redemption.

The Final Revelation and the Promise of Restoration

As we conclude our exploration of John 17:22, it is important to remember the promise of restoration and the final prayer of Revelation 22:20-21. This final narrative speaks of a new heaven and earth where the glory of God will be fully manifest, and the righteous will dwell in eternal peace and harmony.

The story of God's glory, Jesus' pass-on, and the ultimate revelation of the Kingdom of God is a message of hope and restoration. It is a call to embrace the transformative power of God's presence in one's life, rejecting false religions and man-made constructs, and instead pursuing a direct and genuine relationship with the living God.