In this sermon, Garrett Bookout explores the opening section of Jesus' High Priestly Prayer found in John 17:1–5. As part of the ongoing "In the Upper Room" series, the sermon examines how Jesus approaches His final hours before the cross—not with dread or desperation, but with a focus on divine glory and the fulfillment of God’s plan. Bookout explains how Jesus' sacrifice on the cross reveals the true character of the Father, provides eternal life through intimate knowledge of God, and serves as an example for how believers today can glorify God through faithful obedience and service.

The sermon examines John 17:1–5, focusing on how Jesus glorifies the Father as He prepares for His impending crucifixion. Garrett Bookout emphasizes that while crucifixion was designed to be a shameful and humiliating execution, Jesus reframes the cross as the supreme moment of victory and divine glory.

Key themes explored in the sermon include:

* **The Reflection of God’s Glory:** Using the analogy of a flashlight hitting a mirror, Bookout illustrates how humanity sees glimpses of God's glory in creation, but Jesus acts as the mirror reflecting the full, brilliant character, power, and love of God—especially through the cross.
* **The Hour Has Come:** Throughout John's Gospel, Jesus mentions that "his hour has not yet come," but John 17 marks the arrival of that decisive moment. The cross is shown to be the fulfillment of His earthly ministry and the defeat of death.
* **Eternal Life as Knowing God:** Eternal life is defined not merely as duration of existence or an escape from death, but as a personal, transformational knowledge of the only true God through Jesus Christ.
* **Glorifying God Through Work:** Jesus brought glory to the Father by completing the work assigned to Him on earth. In application, Christians are called to bring glory to God by following Jesus’ lead—serving others, fostering unity, showing humble love, and completing the good works laid out for them.

1. **Introduction & Context**
* Introduction to the "In the Upper Room" series and the setting of John 17.
* Overview of the three-part structure of Jesus' High Priestly Prayer:
* Jesus prays for Himself (John 17:1–5).
* Jesus prays for His apostles (John 17:6–19).
* Jesus prays for future believers (John 17:20–26).

2. **Understanding "Glory" and the Purpose of the Cross (John 17:1)**
* Defining glory (*doxa* / *doxazo*): Showing or reflecting God's splendid greatness.
* *Illustration:* The flashlight and mirror analogy—Jesus making the Father's glory fully visible.
* Reframing the Cross: How Jesus turned a instrument of humiliation into a symbol of victory and love.

3. **Authority and the Gift of Eternal Life (John 17:2–3)**
* Jesus’ authority over all flesh to grant eternal life.
* Defining eternal life: Deeply, personally knowing the Father and Jesus Christ.
* God taking the initiative to defeat human death rather than expecting humanity to solve it.

4. **Fulfilling the Father's Work (John 17:4–5)**
* Jesus glorifying God through His earthly ministry (miracles, teaching, and obedience).
* Request for restoration to the divine glory shared with the Father before the creation of the world.

5. **Practical Application & Invitation**
* Following Christ's example: Glorifying God by doing the work He has assigned us (humble service, foot-washing attitude, love, and unity).
* Concluding invitation to submit to Christ, seek study/baptism, and restore one's relationship with God.