John 17:4

A fourth argument pressing the petition, is taken from his fidelity in discharging the trust committed to him, in that he had glorified the Father, by accomplishing the work which was laid upon him to do; Upon which (in the next verse) he repeats his sute. He saith, I have finished the work: for, albeit in heaven he be still working for us, and working that which was given him by the Father to do, namely, in so far as concerns the application of his merit for the actual salvation of the Elect, Yet the work of Reconciliation (as the distinction is Rom. 5.10.) or, of purchasing Redemption, was given him to be done on earth, and he finished it there. And albeit he had not as yet, when he prayed this, finished all that was given him; yet he might well say this because he had finished all that was hitherto requisite to be done, and had in his will and resolution gone through all that was yet before him, and was shortly to performe all things till he might say, It is finished, chap. 19.30. In reference to which he makes this profession. Doct. 1. None are sent into the world to be idle, but have a task and service laid upon them, of their general calling and particular station; for, Jesus Christ himselfe had work on earth. 2. We cannot acceptably serve our generation, nor will God accept any work we do, unlesse his glory be our chief aime in it; for, I have glorified thee, saith he, in this work. 3. To glorifie God is so much the more remarkable, as it is not suspended till we come to heaven, where we may do it without interruption; but is set about on earth, where so few minde that work, and where there are so many difficulties and tentations to divert us; for, it contributes to commend his service, that I have glorified thee on earth, saith he. 4. Christ, by his preaching, miracles, sufferings, and obedience to the death, and his whole conversation, and frequent ascribing of the great things he did, to his Father, did glorifie him, and demonstrate his power, truth, wisdome, justice, mercy, and other attributes: for, saith he, I have glorified thee on earth. Which may encourage beleevers, that their surety hath served God so acceptably. 5. Such as have been sincerely aiming at Gods glory, will still be endeavouring to glorifie him more and more; for, he who had glorified him on earth, propounds it, v. 1. as his aime still, that thy Son may glorifie thee, 6. As God is glorified by mens work and actings, and not by bare professions only; So God is the imposer of mens tasks upon them, and he will be glorified by no works of men, but what are by himselfe assigned to them in their stations; for, I have glorified thee, in the work which thou gavest me to do. 7. Men must not only begin, but perfect also their work unto the end, before they receive a full reward; for, so much doth his example teach, I have finished the work. 8. Christ did nothing on earth, in working out our Redemption, but what was the will of the Father, and by him committed unto him; for, his work was the work which he gave him to do. See Joh. 6.39. So that Christ working it, and it being the will of the Father, it must be acceptable. 9. There was nothing committed to Christ by the Father, to be done on earth, for the purchasing of our Redemption, but he did finish it: So that the debt is payed, justice satisfied, and sin, Satan and death spoiled, so that nothing remains now but the application of his purchase, and communication of that to his people which they already have in him their Head; for the doing whereof he is now exalted and glorified; for, I have finished the work which thou gavest me. 10. Such as expect a comfortable issue of their life, and desire to make a comfortable Testament, ought to make it their chief care to glorifie God, in going incessantly about his service in their station, till they finish their course; for, herein Christ hath left us a pattern, who being to seek to be glorified with the Father after his death, v. 5. hath here this sweet testimony, I have glorified thee on earth, I have finished the work, &c. See 2 Tim. 4.7, 8. Isa. 38, 1, 2, 3.