Intro 8: 9. Glory

The theme of glory runs throughout John's Gospel. Unlike Matthew, Mark and Luke, who often associate Jesus' glory particularly with the Transfiguration, John portrays Jesus' divine glory as being revealed throughout His entire ministry. Every sign, every teaching, and every encounter reveals something of God's glory shining through the Son.

John introduces this theme in the Prologue: "We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth." (John 1 v 14) Jesus' first miracle at Cana is described as the moment when He "revealed his glory" (John 2 v 11), leading His disciples to believe in Him.

Yet the greatest revelation of glory comes not through spectacular miracles but through Jesus' suffering and death. As the cross approaches, Jesus repeatedly speaks of being "glorified": "The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified." (John 12 v 23)

To human eyes, crucifixion appears to be humiliation and defeat. John presents it as the supreme revelation of God's love, holiness, justice, and saving power. The cross becomes the throne from which Christ is lifted up to draw all people to Himself. Following the resurrection and ascension, Jesus returns to the glory He shared with the Father before creation (John 17 v 5).

John teaches that true glory is found not in power or prestige but in self-giving love and obedience to the Father.
May you be fully obedient to your Lord and God! David