A revelation of glory

After Judas had left, Jesus said, ‘Now the Son of Man’s glory is revealed; now God’s glory is revealed through him. And if God’s glory is revealed through him, then God will reveal the glory of the Son of Man in himself, and he will do so at once. My children, I shall not be with you very much longer. You will look for me; but I tell you now what I told the Jewish authorities, “You cannot go where I am going”.’ (verses 31-33)

Read John 13:31-38

Just before his death Jesus has a long talk with his disciples. He begins by referring to his imminent death. Not once, however, are the words ‘death’, ‘dead’, or ‘dying’ used. Instead, he speaks of glory.

To all appearances there’s no glory in the wreck of a man dying on a cross in agony. But, in actual fact, the cross of Jesus is awash with glory. It is, after all, the King of kings who hangs there, and, with the eyes of faith, we see the glory of our Saviour-King’s love for us as he dies in our place. And since it is the Father’s glorious plan of salvation that’s being enacted on the cross, the cross is aglow also with the glory of the Father.

It’s on the cross that God’s love, wisdom and grace are poured out in full measure-a revelation of glory indeed.

Lord Jesus, I worship you as my glorious Saviour­ King. And I thank you, Father God, for your glorious plan of salvation that has made me your own. Amen.

by Grace Simpson, in ‘New Strength for each Day’ (LCA, Openbook, 1998)

Visit the Daily Devotion