“That They May Behold My Glory”
Seeking Jesus First - August 5, 2026
“That They May Behold My Glory”
Please Read John 17:24–26 (NKJV)
Reflection
Jesus brought His High Priestly Prayer to a close with these words:
“Father, I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory which You have given Me; for You loved Me before the foundation of the world. O righteous Father! The world has not known You, but I have known You; and these have known that You sent Me. And I have declared to them Your name, and will declare it, that the love with which You loved Me may be in them, and I in them.”
Jesus’ desire is that those the Father has given Him would be with Him where He is and behold His glory. The Greek word here is theōreō — it means more than a quick glance. It speaks of gazing attentively, observing carefully, and contemplating with understanding. Jesus wants us to look upon His glory in a sustained, knowing way.
To behold His glory is not only to gaze upon Him — it is to live under the reality that His eyes are upon us and His love rests on us.
This is not only a future hope of heaven. Spiritually, it is already fulfilled. Paul later writes that God “raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 2:6). In Christ, we are already positioned with Him. From that place we are invited to behold His glory with understanding.
Jesus also says, “I have declared to them Your name, and will declare it.” To declare the Father’s name is to make His character, authority, and nature known. This revelation carries spiritual authority. The same Name Jesus manifested and declared has been given to His disciples and to all who follow Him.
The final purpose of the prayer is love: “that the love with which You loved Me may be in them, and I in them.” The very love the Father has for the Son is placed in us, and Christ Himself lives in us. This is the deep end of the prayer — shared position, attentive beholding of His glory, shared Name, and shared love.
Application
Today, receive the finished prayer of Jesus. You are already seated with Him in heavenly places. The Name of the Father has been declared to you, and the love with which the Father loves the Son is available to dwell in you.
Renew your mind with this truth: You are with Christ where He is. From that place, behold His glory with understanding. Live under the reality that His eyes are upon you and His love rests on you. Carry the Name that has been declared to you. Let the love of the Father fill you and flow through you today.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You that Jesus prayed for us to be with Him where He is and to behold His glory. Thank You that this is already true in the Spirit — we are seated with Christ in heavenly places. Teach us to gaze upon His glory with understanding and to live under the reality that Your eyes are upon us and Your love rests on us. Thank You that He has declared Your name to us and that the love with which You love Him may be in us. Renew our minds today to live from this place of union, authority, and love. Let Your Name be honored through us, and let Your love fill us. In Jesus’ name, giving thanks for the living Word of the Lord. Amen.