John 17:1-5
After saying all these things, Jesus looked up to heaven and said, “Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son so he can give glory back to you. For you have given him authority over everyone. He gives eternal life to each one you have given him. And this is the way to have eternal life—to know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, the one you sent to earth. I brought glory to you here on earth by completing the work you gave me to do. Now, Father, bring me into the glory we shared before the world began.”
Do you know why you are on this earth? Do you know the purpose of your life? Many people believe the highest goal of humanity is happiness. That’s not a bad notion. If we all tried to be happy and even tried to help others be happy, the world would undoubtedly become a better place. Others think their purpose is to achieve great things, to leave their mark on the world or to become wealthy and powerful. Those ideas may be less helpful and more selfish, but we can understand why people aspire to do great things. What if you are on this earth to serve other people? What if the purpose of your life is to give it away so that others can achieve the purpose of their lives? That’s what Jesus had in mind.
Jesus was born to die. He came into this world to give himself away for the sake of those He created. As He approached the end of that last evening with the disciples, knowing that his betrayer was already setting a trap that would lead to his arrest and execution, Jesus asked God to glorify him. That doesn’t mean Jesus hoped to become famous or wanted his name in lights for all the world to celebrate. For Jesus, glory came through suffering and death, and it came through resurrection from the dead. It came through the fulfillment of his life’s mission: to be the Savior of the world. That’s what Jesus asked God the Father to accomplish in him as He prepared to walk purposefully to the cross where He would win eternal life for all who come to him in faith. Jesus’ death and resurrection brought glory to himself and salvation to the people of this world. After He died and rose again, Jesus ascended into heaven and returned to his rightful, eternal place in glory.
As you consider the purpose and mission of your life, remember that Jesus confidently and intentionally walked to the cross. But it wasn’t easy for him. He suffered greatly, feeling physical, emotional and spiritual agony as his body was broken and his blood shed. He knew what He came to do would be difficult, but He set his heart and mind on that mission and walked steadfastly toward the goal of offering eternal life to people of faith. Your life’s work also matters to the world and to God. You may be tempted to turn off that path when things get hard, but as you faithfully embrace what God created you to do, you will find strength through the Spirit to walk confidently toward your life’s purpose. God put you here to love him and to love the people around you through your own unique blend of gifts, experiences and relationships. Jesus prayed for help to complete the work God gave him to do, and in the same way, you can trust God will enable you to fulfill the purpose of your life.
Father, You created me for a purpose. Show me what You want me to do and give me strength for that good work. Help me to glorify Jesus in all I do, as I follow His teaching and pray in His name. Amen.
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Pastor Mike Mirakian
