Faith without religion.
John 17: Divine Connection and Eternal Life
In our recent CAMPUS Milk Gathering, we delved into the profound depths of John 17, focusing on the Lord’s intercessory prayer. This chapter is a remarkable testament to the relationship between Jesus and the Father, as well as His mission on earth. We began by reflecting on the prayer’s structure, noting the equal emphasis on the Father and the Son, each mentioned 63 times, highlighting their divine connection.
As we explored the verses, we saw Jesus preparing for His ultimate sacrifice, asking the Father to glorify Him so that He might glorify the Father in return. This mutual glorification underscores the purpose of Jesus’ mission: to bring eternal life to those given to Him by the Father. Eternal life, as Jesus defines it, is not merely about belief but about truly knowing the only true God and Jesus Christ, whom He sent.
This knowing goes beyond intellectual assent or faith; it is an intimate, transformative relationship akin to the deep connection described in the Bible as “knowing” between a husband and wife. It is through the Holy Spirit’s indwelling that believers move from mere belief to this profound knowing, experiencing a life filled with love, peace, and a desire to live for God.
Our study reminds us that while faith is the starting point, the journey leads to a deeper, more personal relationship with God. As we continue to explore the Gospel of John, we are invited to reflect on our own spiritual journey, seeking not just to believe but to truly know God and His Son, Jesus Christ.
