SOAP: Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer

Scripture: John 17:1 After Jesus said this, he looked towards heaven and prayed: "Father, the time has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you.

Observation: Jesus was praying that the Father would make Jesus look good. Although we may take it as a very selfish prayer, there are two things we should consider. FIRST is that Jesus continued his prayer stating that his motive was to make the Father look good. He wanted to look good so that He could make the Father look good. SECOND is the way he would be glorified. He would be hung to die on a Roman cross to pay for sins he did not commit and to demonstrate to the world the love of God in paying for man’s sins.

What a Father! What a Father he must be that a pure sinless son would be willing to suffer and sacrifice his life in order to restore the relationship between sinful man and Father God!

Application: When I ask for God to help me succeed, I am often asking so that I may look good in my own eyes or in the eyes of someone I am trying to impress. But the motive behind Jesus prayer was that He would be able to make the Father look good. That should be my motive also.

Prayer: Lord, I want people to see what a wonderful God you are and what a privilege it is to serve you! Amen.

August 15: Jeremiah 18-20; Psalm 93; John 17

Pastor Leon

Making friends for time and eternity!