GLORIFIED
TEXT: Jesus was troubled in His spirit, and testified, “Truly, truly, I say to you, one of you will betray Me.” … So when [Jesus] had dipped the morsel, He gave it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot [and said] to him, “What you are going to do, do quickly.” … So, after receiving the morsel of bread, he immediately went out. And it was night. When he had gone out, Jesus said, “Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in Him. If God is glorified in Him, God will also glorify Him in Himself, and glorify Him at once.” (John 13:21b, 26b, 27b, 30-32)
It happened so quickly, so quietly, that most of the disciples didn’t realize what was going on, right under their eyes. Jesus said to Judas, “What you are going to do, do quickly.” Judas got up from the table and went out, and it was night. And Jesus said, “Now is the Son of Man glorified “
What? Wait a minute! What has just happened? And why does it glorify Jesus?
Judas has just gone to betray Him. And Jesus, knowing this, has let him go why? Because He loves us and He loves His Father, and this is the way it has to be, to save us all.
Surely this is Jesus’ glory, that He has such a heart-that He loves us, and the Father, so deeply He accepts betrayal and suffering and death on a cross- all to save us and bring us home in peace to God as His forgiven children.
Tomorrow, Jesus’ death and resurrection will put that heart on display for everyone to see. And that will be His glory, now and forever.
WE PRAY: Lord, no one loves us like You do. Thank You. Amen.
——————— Reflection Questions
• Why does Jesus let Judas go?
• Why does Jesus’ choice bring glory to God?
• Why would Jesus consider the cross His own glory?
Responses