William Burkitt on John 17:4

Learn hence, that the whole life of Christ, while here on earth, was a glorifying of his Father; he glorified his Father by the doctrine which he preached; he glorified his Father by the miracles which he wrought; he glorified his Father by the unspotted purity and innocency of his life, and by his unparalleled sufferings at his death.

That is, I am now about to finish it: he speaks of what he was resolved to do as already done.

Here note, 1. That it is work that glorifies God.

2. That every man has his work, his proper work, assigned him by God.

3. This work must be finished here upon earth.

4. That, when we have done our proportion of work, we may expect our proportion of wages.

5. That it is a blessed thing at the hour of death to be able to say in sincerity and uprightness, that we have glorified God in the world, and have finished the work which he appointed us to do; Father, I have glorified thee on earth; and have finished the work which thou gavest me to do.