I HAVE GLORIFIED IT

JOHN 12:28B–36

“Now is the judgment of this world; now the ruler of this world will be cast out. And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself

(John 12:31–32).

God’s response to Jesus’ prayer is both a profound proclamation of redemption and an encouragement to God’s people. Jesus prayed that the Father would be glorified and, in an voice from heaven, the Father replies, “I have both glorified it and will glorify it again.” He had glorified it in the life and work of His Son through the testimony of miracles and the power of His teaching. But more glory was yet to come. It would shine forth from the Cross as Jesus would be lifted up for the salvation of all peoples.

What did Jesus mean by “all peoples?” We know He did not mean universal salvation, for the Bible teaches that some men will not be saved. Therefore, He must have meant “all peoples” as distinguished from the Jews. Remember that this discourse began with the Gentiles seeking an audience with Him. His response, therefore, was directed to them, that they would be included in the kingdom when Christ would be “lifted up.”

The Jews would have understood Jesus’ use of “lifted up,” for it meant to be crucified, or to hang from a tree. The implication was clearly that Jesus would die. This, of course, confused the Jews because they assumed from passages such as Psalm 89:36, 37 that the Messiah’s reign would endure forever. Little did they understand the spiritual implications of this prophecy, nor did they anticipate the resurrection of Christ and the expectation that one day His kingdom would be established on the “new earth.” They took everything so literally that they missed the fullness of Christ’s teaching and of His work. As a result, they did not realize that it would be through Christ’s death and subsequent resurrection that the Father’s name would be glorified.

Jesus told the people that God’s response, which was manifest to everyone, was for their benefit. The Father had answered His Son, and in doing so declared for all the world to know that His name would be glorified. No matter what would happen, the people could be confident in that. Therefore, we must never think that somehow evil has triumphed, for it has not. God’s name is glorified. Christ secured that on the Cross when He triumphed over Satan, reconciled men to God, and set the prisoners free.

CORAM DEO

Psalm 53–55

Acts 27

It is very easy for Christians to become discouraged as they see evil triumph around them and the name of God ridiculed and blasphemed. But God has declared Himself the victor—His name is glorified. Meditate today on Psalm 89. It is lengthy but full of reminders that God’s name is glorified.

For further study: John 15:8; 16:14; 17:5; 21:19 • 1 Cor. 6:18–20

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