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I. THE CHARACTER OF THIS CHRIST-GIVEN GLORY.

1. Negatively.

(1) Not in appearance. Painters have delighted to pourtray Christ with a shining halo on His brow. But this is imaginary. "His visage was marred more than any man's," &c.

(2) Not in regal state and trappings. These He despised. He refused to be made a king, and had not where to lay His head.

(3) Not in immediate triumph over existing conditions in any department of thought or action. Judged by all accepted standards of glory hardly was ever teacher less glorious.

2. Positively. His glory lay in the purpose and aim of His life, as appointed by the Father and accepted by Himself. It was early made known that God's glory was His goodness. At the Incarnation the angel song showed this, and so did Christ at the first manifestation of His glory at Cana. And now with the Cross in prospect He prays (vers. 1, 2).

3. It is clear then that Christ gives glory to His people in calling them to carry forward His work and in granting them necessary equipment (vers. 8, 18). Christians are given to know the glory of being fellow-labourers with their Master. Perhaps to some the Lord's call to service has been unattractive and irksome. It is the glory He hath given us. Is not the soldier honoured when appointed a part in the thick of the fight?

II. THE DESIGN OF CHRIST IS GIVING GLORY TO HIS PEOPLE.

1. To glorify God by making Him known (vers. 1, 6). The fruitful cause of the world's woe is ignorance of God.

2. To lead to blessed union with God and one another, "that they may be one" &c.

3. Here is discovered the responsibility of all disciples. By unfaithfulness we may turn our glory into shame.

III. THIS CHRIST-GIVEN GLORY THROWS LIGHT ON THE FUTURE GLORY OF THE SAINTS, which will consist of —

1. A call to higher service. "Inasmuch as thou hast been faithful over a few things," &c.

2. The realization of perfect and harmonious relationship with God and one another.

3. The possession of true rest and joy — the joy of accomplished and prospective service.

(J. Stevens.)

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KJV: And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one:

WEB: The glory which you have given me, I have given to them; that they may be one, even as we are one;