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Jesus brought honour to God —

I. BECAUSE HE SO LIVED AS TO MAKE OTHER MEN THINK MORE ABOUT GOD. "Out of sight, out of mind" is the old adage; and because God is always invisible, therefore He is often forgotten. Whatever makes men think about God with reverence and gratitude thereby promotes His glory. In this sense, "the heavens declare His glory." They suggest to men's minds thoughts of His wisdom, power, and greatness. For service of this kind was there ever anything in the world like the words and deeds of Jesus? Jesus might not have mentioned the name of God, but do you think that you could have been in His presence one hour and not have bad your thoughts elevated Godward? Men saw Him heal the sick, raise the dead, &c.; was it possible for them to see and hear these things, and not recognize the power and love of God? The morality of Jesus' teaching must have been a great power to startle men who had buried themselves in unmindfulness of the Most High. There was something in Jesus Himself that made men think of God. It is not possible for us to imitate the miracles of Christ; but it is possible for a man to manifest such a temper, that wherever he goes he will suggest thoughts of God.

II. BY HELPING MEN TO THINK OF GOD MORE CORRECTLY. We ofttimes make mistakes about each others' character, and sometimes to their advantage. We give men credit for what they are not and have not. Bat no thought of ours ever goes beyond the truth about God. His character is nobler and greater than my best conception can be; therefore whatever helps me to see Him more perfectly, and corrects my mistakes about Him, promotes His glory. Was there ever any. thing in the world that had such power to clear the darkness that hid the glory of God, as the life and labour, the words and works of Jesus? Could men see and hear these things and help thinking better of God? Could they go on and not think of Him whose care is over all creation?

III. BY A CONSTANT RECOGNITION OF HIS AUTHORITY AND HELP. How careful He was to make men understand that He was not in the world to pursue His own plans, or to follow His own purpose! He called His miracles the works of the Father. The habit of thanking God for all things became a conspicuous feature in His character, as we learn from this fact — that by means of it two of His disciples recognized Him after He came from the dead. When men see in us this constant recognition of Divine authority, help, and mercy, then in our way we can say with Jesus, "I have glorified Thee on the earth." Then, again, by His obedience to the Divine laws, His cheerful contentment with God's dispensations, His unfaltering trust in God, Jesus glorified God. Conclusion:

1. It is easy to think of glorifying God in heaven, where every heart is pure; but Jesus said, "I have glorified Thee on the earth" — in life's difficulties, trials, temptations — where sin abounds.

2. It is a simple contradiction for a man to call himself a Christian and not to have an increasing anxiety to regard God's authority, submit to His will, give Him thanks for His kindness, and live to His praise and glory.

(C. Vince.)

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KJV: I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do.

WEB: I glorified you on the earth. I have accomplished the work which you have given me to do.