Pilot Knob Lutheran Church Communique
May 20, 2026
We don’t naturally consider the crucifixion as a means of being glorified. It was a means of maximizing pain, suffering, humiliation and the one crucified was considered damned by God.
Yet Jesus says in John 17:1 Jesus …. looked toward heaven and prayed: “Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you. As horrible as it was in addition to all the suffering and abuse prior, the crucifixion was the death of Satan’s power, sin’s control and eternal separation from God. It showed the world Jesus is the Messiah, the only Son of God and that the Father approved of His sacrifice by raising Him from the dead. Satan is a totally defeated enemy and will be for all eternity.
Jesus also glorified the Father by being obedient to all He commanded. John 17:4 I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do. Notice, Jesus said; completed the work. There is absolutely nothing we can do to add to God’s means of salvation. Jesus cried out: “It is finished,” complete and done!!
What was next for Jesus after the resurrection? 17:5 And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began. He would be restored to His divine place in the Kingdom of God as He was prior to creation. In other words; He is eternal just as the Father and the Holy Spirit. Philippians 2:6-11 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross! Therefore, God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name,that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father. Jesus was and is fully God, but didn’t retain His high position and divine glory. Being fully man, He lived for thirty-three years like us depending on God to work through Him. At His ascension He would receive His position of glory once again.
What does all this mean for us? 17:3 Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. It is the gospel promise lived out that we may be united as Christians and know Jesus and the Holy Spirit live and work in each of us. We too bring glory to God by being obedient to God under pressure.
Pr. Bob Snitzer
By the Way:
May 24, 9:00 Morning worship. Sermon: Dry and Parched. John 7:37-44
Past communiques and sermons can be read and heard on our website: www.pilotknob.org and Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PilotKnobLutheran
Our service also airs on: KGLO 1300 AM at 10:00 AM, and KIOW 107.3 FM at 7:00 AM. Spread the word.
Isaiah 55:10-11 As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.
