“I Have Finished the Work”

Seeking Jesus First - July 30, 2026

“I Have Finished the Work”

Please Read John 17:1–5 (NKJV)

Reflection

Jesus lifted His eyes to heaven and prayed:

“Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son also may glorify You, as You have given Him authority over all flesh, that He should give eternal life to as many as You have given Him. And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent. I have glorified You on the earth. I have finished the work which You have given Me to do. And now, O Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was.”

In these opening words of His High Priestly Prayer, Jesus makes two powerful declarations. First, He defines eternal life: it is knowing the Father, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom He has sent. Eternal life is not merely endless existence — it is a living, personal relationship with God through His Son.

Second, Jesus declares, “I have finished the work which You have given Me to do.” Even as the cross still lay ahead, He spoke from the place of completed obedience. His entire earthly life had been lived in perfect alignment with the Father’s will. Now He asks to be restored to the glory He shared with the Father before the world began.

Application

Today, consider Jesus’ definition of eternal life. Is your focus more on receiving things from God, or on growing in true knowledge of the Father and the Son?

Renew your mind with this truth: Jesus finished the work the Father gave Him. Because He finished it, we can walk in the eternal life He secured. Ask the Holy Spirit to deepen your knowledge of the Father through Jesus today. Let the finished work of Christ give you rest and confidence as you continue in the work God has given you.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You that Jesus finished the work You gave Him to do. Thank You that eternal life is found in knowing You and Your Son. Forgive us for the times we have treated eternal life as something less than a living relationship with You. Renew our minds today to seek true knowledge of You through Jesus Christ. Help us rest in His finished work and walk in the eternal life He has given. In His name, giving thanks for the living Word of the Lord. Amen.