“When he had gone out, Jesus said, ‘Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in him.'”– John 13:31
John 13:31 Meaning
In this powerful verse, we find Jesus speaking after Judas has left the group to betray Him. Jesus begins with the phrase “Now is the Son of Man glorified,” which marks a significant moment in His ministry. The glorification of Jesus is tied to His impending death, as He is well aware that the events leading to His crucifixion will soon unfold. When Jesus mentions that He is glorified, He indicates that His sacrificial act will reveal the depth of God’s love, mercy, and profound grace to humanity. It is through this glorification that we see the fullness of who God is.
This moment was not just about the end of Jesus’ earthly ministry; it also opens a new chapter in God’s plan for salvation. Furthermore, He notes that God is glorified in Him, reminding us that every act of Jesus serves a dual purpose: glorifying Himself and glorifying the Father. In this sense, Jesus is inviting us to witness a major turning point in divine history. He talks about how the glory of God is revealed through human events and struggles.
John 13:31 Commentary and Explanation
To fully appreciate the depth of what Jesus says, we can take a closer look at the context of the passage. In verses leading up to this moment, Jesus has washed the feet of His disciples, teaching them humility and servanthood. By doing so, He sets the example and challenges conventional notions of leadership and authority. The act of washing their feet is a preparation for the greater act of sacrifice He will soon endure. Through this commentary, we are reminded of how much Jesus invested in those He loved, even in the face of betrayal and abandonment.
As we discuss glorification, it’s essential to reflect on what “glory” means in Biblical terms. When we think of glory, we often associate it with power, admiration, and awe. However, Jesus redefines glory as something intertwined with suffering and sacrifice. This poses a profound question for us: In our pursuit of significance, how often do we equate glory with personal gain, rather than self-sacrifice for others? Jesus challenges this idea as He models true greatness through humility and love.
Moreover, by declaring that the Son of Man is glorified, Jesus invites His disciples—and us—to remember that glorification is not just an end state but also a process that involves trials. His acknowledgment of God being glorified through His actions illuminates the unity of their mission. While Jesus fulfills His role, God is equally active in this redemptive dance, demonstrating the seamless relationship between the Father and the Son. Through this lens, we are reminded of the importance of collaboration in our mission as believers. God works in and through us to reveal His glory to the world.
As we reflect on this verse, we should ask ourselves: What does it mean for us to glorify God in our lives? We carry the glory of God through our actions, thoughts, and relationships with others. In moments of hardship, like betrayal or misunderstanding, we have an opportunity to reflect Christ’s glory. We are called to sacrifice our interests for those around us and to enter into the lives of others with empathy and love, just as He did.
Context of John 13:31
Understanding the context of John 13:31 enables us to appreciate its richness. This verse is situated in the Gospel of John, during the Last Supper—a significant event happening just before Jesus’ crucifixion. As Jesus shares this final meal with His disciples, emotions run high, and tension is palpable. The imminent betrayal by Judas hangs over the room like a dark cloud. It is this somber setting that makes Jesus’ words all the more striking.
Leading up to this moment, Jesus shares insights about serving one another, emphasizes love, and establishes a new commandment. He encourages His disciples to love one another as He has loved them, demonstrating that love is essential in the Kingdom of God. His call for love is significant in the context of betrayal, reminding us that love should not be conditional but rather a continuous choice we make.
Judas’ departure and subsequent betrayal symbolize the darkness against the backdrop of Jesus’ light. Jesus’ glorification is juxtaposed with this betrayal, highlighting the beauty of light in contrast with darkness. This interplay reminds us that often our greatest moments of growth and revelation occur alongside our challenges.
In John 13, Jesus also speaks about His upcoming departure. His words capture a sense of urgency. Although He will be leaving His disciples physically, His presence will continue through the Holy Spirit. This is comforting as it affirms the ongoing relationship He desires with His followers. Through His glory displayed in the crucifixion and resurrection, Jesus opens avenues for a personal relationship with God, ensuring we are never truly alone.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of John 13:31
Let’s break down the key components of this verse to reflect on its implications. First, the phrase “When he had gone out” signals that Judas has made his choice to betray Jesus. The timing of this phrase is crucial as it reveals a moment of separation—a physical and spiritual divide that ultimately leads to betrayal. It sets the stage for the transition from fellowship to sacrifice.
Next, when Jesus declares “Now is the Son of Man glorified,” He proclaims that the moment of His mission has arrived. This encompasses His life, ministry, and the purpose for which He has come. The term “Son of Man” is rich in meaning and indicates Jesus’ role as the Messiah who connects humanity and divinity. In saying this, Jesus is affirming both His identity and mission.
Following this declaration, the mention that “God is glorified in him” underscores the harmonious relationship between Jesus and the Father. Their combined glory is evident throughout Scripture, but it culminates significantly here. This is a clear reminder that glorification is not self-serving. Instead, it involves a community aspect that extends beyond oneself.
Lastly, understanding the idea of glory as it relates to love and sacrifice enables us to form a connection with the teachings in Matthew 5:16, where Jesus says, “Let your light shine before others.” Both passages convey the essence of living out one’s faith in ways that honor God. Thus, in our everyday actions, we contribute to glorifying God when we show love, humility, and grace to those around us.
Lessons From John 13:31
This verse teaches us several invaluable lessons that we can apply to our lives. First and foremost, it highlights the strength found in humility. Through Jesus washing the disciples’ feet, He exemplifies the importance of serving one another. In a world that often elevates power and status, we are reminded that true greatness lies in serving others. We can challenge ourselves to be active participants in the lives of those around us, showing kindness, compassion, and love, just as Jesus did.
Another vital lesson emerges in understanding the reality of betrayal. Even in our personal relationships, we may experience moments of hurt and betrayal, sometimes from unexpected places. Yet, we can still glorify God by choosing to respond with love rather than bitterness. This ties back to Jesus’ command for us to love one another unconditionally, and it emphasizes that our responses showcase our faith in action.
We also find that glorification includes the understanding of suffering. Jesus teaches us that glory is not solely found in moments of triumph but often through trials and challenges. Each hardship can be an opportunity for spiritual growth. By trusting God during trying times, we can rise above our circumstances and experience a deeper connection with Him. This allows the grace of God to shine through us in our daily lives, impacting those around us.
Finally, this verse encourages us to acknowledge the presence of God in every area of our lives. Just as Jesus affirms His unity with the Father, we are called to cultivate our relationship with God. The Holy Spirit is ever-present, guiding and comforting us. By nurturing this connection, we can find strength and wisdom through faith-driven decisions that not only affect us but also allow us to glorify God in our actions.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, John 13:31 serves as a powerful reminder of the intertwining connection between love, sacrifice, and glorification. Jesus illustrates that true glory is revealed in humble service and unwavering love, even amidst betrayal. The radical nature of His mission continues to inspire us in our daily lives. We are called to carry this message forth, actively loving others as He loved us, bringing light into the world through our actions. In moments of struggle, we can recall the glory that God unfolds through faith, trust, and a willingness to serve others.
As we reflect on Jesus’ declaration in this verse, let’s encourage one another to explore what it looks like to embody these qualities in our lives. If you’re looking for additional insights or topics related to this, check out our article on John 13:30, where we discuss themes of understanding and betrayal further. Our faith journey is rich and multifaceted, and there are many lessons waiting to be uncovered!