What Jesus Did! 'The Essence of Life' — John 17:1-3

Thursday, October 22, 2026

After saying all these things, Jesus looked up to heaven and said, "Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son so he can give glory back to you. For you have given him authority over everyone. He gives eternal life to each one you have given him. And this is the way to have eternal life — to know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, the one you sent to earth."
— John 17:1-3 NLT

Key Thought

Jesus came to give us life. His goal wasn't to prolong our lives here. His goal wasn't even to increase the quality of life here, although that may be a byproduct of our Christian living. His goal was to give us life that would endure. He came to bring us life that would last longer than the mountains, oceans, earth, and sky. What is the secret to this life? To know God and to know his Son, Jesus Christ. This life is more than just knowing facts about God and Jesus; it is a relationship with them and a reliance on them in everyday life. It is seeking after God and finding him. It is learning to trust in him with every fiber of our being.

Today's Prayer

Holy and righteous God, my heavenly Father, please lead me to a deeper relationship with you. I want to know more about you. I also want to know you - your passion, your holiness, your might, your wisdom, and your grace. Please reveal more of yourself to me in my daily walk with you. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

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Illustration

Illustration of John 17:1-3 NLT — And this is the way to have eternal life — to know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, the one you sent to earth.

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About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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