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By Mike Caton

John 13:31, When he was gone, Jesus said, “Now the Son of Man is glorified and God is glorified in him.”

Judas has left the upper room and is on his way to get those who will arrest Jesus. But there is still much Jesus has to tell his disciples. And yet another bomb is about to drop on these men, especially Peter. But Jesus tells them that he, the Son of Man, is about to be glorified. When we think about glorifying or honoring someone, what comes to mind? Giving them special treatment, maybe a nice meal, some sort of presentation, maybe a plaque of some sort. But that is far from what Jesus is speaking about here. When Jesus was glorified, it was in the worst way possible, he was crucified. And that hour is always getting closer.

But what happens to Jesus is not the thing that most concerns him. Jesus is far more concerned with the Father being glorified. And God is glorified, not when we say the right things, not by simply going through some rituals, but when we submit ourselves to him, regardless of the situation or the outcome. What Jesus is about to face is not going to be a pleasant experience, and he agonizes it over this in the garden. Remember, he pleaded with God for some other way to accomplish the goal of redeeming man, and yet he said not my will but yours be done. Jesus did that for the glory of the Father.

But he also did it for our glory, if you think about it. As was mentioned, Jesus is about to receive some very special treatment; he is about to be arrested, tortured, and murdered for our benefit. And by his death and resurrection, he provided a powerful meal for us. It is in Communion that we are reminded of his body and blood, broken and poured out for our sin. And Jesus was presented on the cross, held up for all of heaven and earth to see. And that cross became a reminder of the price that was paid for our redemption. And in all of this, both the Father and the Son were glorified. And by this we were offered forgiveness.

Father, thank you for your glory. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Mike Caton is the preacher at Mount Olive Church of Christ in Belhaven. He volunteers at the Ponzer Fire Department and works part time with Hyde County EMS. If you would like to receive daily devotions in your inbox, email mikecaton@centurylink.net.

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