²⁴ “Father, I desire that they also, whom You have given Me, be with Me where I am, so that they may see My glory which You have given Me, for You loved Me before the foundation of the world.”

Eternity in view, Jesus speaks of the foundation of the world and of a future time. This relationship of love between the Father and the Son, and which we now share, had its origin “before” the beginning of time. The human construct of time, in its simplest definition, is the measurement of change. Change can only happen when there is something that can change, whether that change is the size or composition of things or the movement of things in relationship to other things. Clearly, by this definition, time began when creation took place, “when” there was only God. Even to use words like “when” or “before” beg the issue, but how else can we mere mortals, who are subject to the sequence of before and after, understand existence where there is no time, that is, “before” creation?

That God is not subject to time is clear from Scripture: “For I, the Lord, do not change; therefore you, O sons of Jacob, are not consumed” (Mal 3:6). Therefore, the love the Father had for the Son is eternal, it had no beginning and will have no end. It is outside of time, and therefore does not change. It cannot change. Paul, inspired by the Spirit of God which Jesus had promised the disciples, adds, “He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world …” (Eph 1:4). Therefore, the love Jesus has for us is rooted in that eternal love within the Trinity, outside of time! It is a perfect love that transcends everything we know and experience here “on earth.” That is why Paul can write,

For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Rom 8:38–39).

So Jesus prays with great desire for us to be with Him for eternity, which He earlier pictured for us as a mansion with many rooms (John 14:1-4). We, as the Father’s eternal love gift, were chosen by God. It could almost be said that we believers are God’s house warming present to His Son.

Aside from the academic and theological musings, we must not miss the personal perspective. Jesus actually wants us to live with Him forever. We tend to think of our benefit in salvation, but He is thrilled to save us (Heb 12:2) and have us as family members for all eternity! Is that not wonderful?

Lord Jesus, I, too, look forward to being with You and the Father for eternity.