John 12:23, "Jesus answered them, “The time has come for the Son of Man to be glorified," is a pivotal statement marking a shift in Jesus' ministry. To understand its meaning, we need to consider the context and the key terms:
Context: This verse comes after some Greeks (Gentiles) sought to meet Jesus. This encounter signifies that Jesus' mission is extending beyond the Jewish people to encompass all nations. This event triggers Jesus' reflection on the imminent climax of his ministry.
Son of Man: This is Jesus' preferred self-designation. It connects him to the messianic figure described in Daniel 7:13-14, who will receive dominion and glory from God.
Glorified: In John's Gospel, "glorified" is a loaded term. It refers to Jesus' return to the glory he had with the Father before the world began (John 17:5). However, the path to this glory is not through earthly power or victory, but through suffering, death, and resurrection. It's a transformation that demonstrates God's love and power.
Meaning:
Jesus' statement, "The time has come for the Son of Man to be glorified," has several layers of meaning:
1. Imminent Suffering and Death: It's a veiled reference to Jesus' impending crucifixion. This seems paradoxical, as death is usually considered shameful and ignominious, not glorious. However, for Jesus, it's the necessary step in fulfilling God's plan. His death will be the ultimate act of obedience and love, revealing God's character to the world.
2. Resurrection: The glorification isn't limited to the crucifixion. It includes the resurrection. Jesus' resurrection will demonstrate his victory over sin and death, confirming his divine identity and power.
3. Ascension and Exaltation: The resurrection leads to Jesus' ascension and exaltation to the right hand of God. This is the ultimate glorification, where he receives the full glory that is rightfully his.
4. Revelation of God's Glory: Jesus' glorification is not just a personal event for him. It's also a revelation of God's glory to humanity. Through Jesus' life, death, and resurrection, people can see the true nature of God's love, grace, and power.
5. Universal Scope: The arrival of the Greeks signifies the broadening of Jesus' mission to include all people. His glorification will have a ripple effect, bringing salvation and transformation to people from every nation. His death and resurrection are not just for the Jewish people, but for all of humanity.
In summary, John 12:23 is a crucial verse that foreshadows the climax of Jesus' earthly ministry. It reveals that the path to glory is through suffering, death, and resurrection, and that Jesus' glorification will ultimately lead to the revelation of God's glory to the world and the salvation of all who believe.
The concept of glory is also linked to sacrifice. The glory is not just about power and exaltation but also about God's love manifested through Christ's selfless sacrifice.
John 12:23, "Jesus answered them, “The time has come for the Son of Man to be glorified," is a pivotal statement marking a shift in Jesus' ministry. To understand its meaning, we need to consider the context and the key terms:
Context: This verse comes after some Greeks (Gentiles) sought to meet Jesus. This encounter signifies that Jesus' mission is extending beyond the Jewish people to encompass all nations. This event triggers Jesus' reflection on the imminent climax of his ministry.
Son of Man: This is Jesus' preferred self-designation. It connects him to the messianic figure described in Daniel 7:13-14, who will receive dominion and glory from God.
Glorified: In John's Gospel, "glorified" is a loaded term. It refers to Jesus' return to the glory he had with the Father before the world began (John 17:5). However, the path to this glory is not through earthly power or victory, but through suffering, death, and resurrection. It's a transformation that demonstrates God's love and power.
Meaning:
Jesus' statement, "The time has come for the Son of Man to be glorified," has several layers of meaning:
1. Imminent Suffering and Death: It's a veiled reference to Jesus' impending crucifixion. This seems paradoxical, as death is usually considered shameful and ignominious, not glorious. However, for Jesus, it's the necessary step in fulfilling God's plan. His death will be the ultimate act of obedience and love, revealing God's character to the world.
2. Resurrection: The glorification isn't limited to the crucifixion. It includes the resurrection. Jesus' resurrection will demonstrate his victory over sin and death, confirming his divine identity and power.
3. Ascension and Exaltation: The resurrection leads to Jesus' ascension and exaltation to the right hand of God. This is the ultimate glorification, where he receives the full glory that is rightfully his.
4. Revelation of God's Glory: Jesus' glorification is not just a personal event for him. It's also a revelation of God's glory to humanity. Through Jesus' life, death, and resurrection, people can see the true nature of God's love, grace, and power.
5. Universal Scope: The arrival of the Greeks signifies the broadening of Jesus' mission to include all people. His glorification will have a ripple effect, bringing salvation and transformation to people from every nation. His death and resurrection are not just for the Jewish people, but for all of humanity.
In summary, John 12:23 is a crucial verse that foreshadows the climax of Jesus' earthly ministry. It reveals that the path to glory is through suffering, death, and resurrection, and that Jesus' glorification will ultimately lead to the revelation of God's glory to the world and the salvation of all who believe.
The concept of glory is also linked to sacrifice. The glory is not just about power and exaltation but also about God's love manifested through Christ's selfless sacrifice.