John 13:31-33
February 22, 2024
John 13:31-33
31 When he had gone out, Jesus said, “Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in him. 32 If God is glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself, and glorify him at once. 33 Little children, yet a little while I am with you. You will seek me, and just as I said to the Jews, so now I also say to you, ‘Where I am going you cannot come.’
Once Judas leaves the company of the disciples to do his dark deed, Jesus comforts the disciples with his unique perspective on all that is about to befall him. Jesus knows that their hearts and minds are weak, and so he strengthens them with these words: “Now is the Son of Man glorified.” Imagine what might have happened to the disciples if Jesus had not prepared them for what was to come. They will soon see Jesus dragged half-naked to the cross while the crowds hurl insults at him. That would be enough to overwhelm them with despair. Yet Jesus assures them that whatever shame and humiliation are heaped upon Jesus through this degrading execution, the very same cross brings Jesus untold glory and honor. Jesus will glorify the Father through his death by revealing the full depth of God’s love for us. Through the cross, Jesus will atone for sin, conquer death, subdue evil, open the path to the Father, and usher in a whole new creation. The cross is the only way to glory.
What does the cross reveal to us about the heart of God if the cross is the means by which Jesus glorifies the Father?