Jesus' work...

John 17:4
"I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do."

How can Jesus say that He finished the work God gave Him to do if He had not yet been to the cross or conquered the grave? What work was Jesus referring to?

In verse 6 Jesus declares that He has manifested the Father to the ones He had been given. Jesus first work was to clearly reveal the Father and His will to those whom God had chosen.

In verses 8 & 14, Jesus declares that He has given them God's word and that by that word they were equipped to continue the work of revelation that Jesus began.

In verse 18, Jesus declares that He has sent His disciples into the world that the world may know the Father and receive the Son through their work and love (vs. 20-26).

Jesus was convinced that He had accomplished His earthly work of beginning a movement of multiplication. He laid the foundation of His church and turned the project over to His disciples. Now, with his earthly mission accomplished, Jesus turns His attention to his eternal, heavenly mission of redemption.

Jesus - keep me always mindful of my earthly mission. Remind me daily that I too am part of Your work in building the church and Your kingdom. Amen.