John 13:31
When Judas had gone out, Jesus said, "Now the Son of Man is glorified, and God is glorified in Him.
When Judas had left
This phrase marks a pivotal moment in the narrative. Judas Iscariot's departure signifies the beginning of the final sequence of events leading to Jesus' crucifixion. The act of leaving is not just physical but also spiritual, as Judas steps away from the light of Christ into the darkness of betrayal. Historically, this moment is laden with tension, as it sets in motion the fulfillment of prophecies regarding the Messiah's suffering. The Greek word for "left" (ἐξῆλθεν, exēlthen) implies a decisive action, underscoring Judas's role in the divine plan.

Jesus said
The words of Jesus carry profound authority and significance. In the Gospel of John, Jesus' statements often reveal deep theological truths. Here, His speech marks a transition from the intimate setting of the Last Supper to the unfolding of His passion. The act of speaking is a divine revelation, as Jesus, the Word made flesh, communicates the mysteries of God to His disciples.

Now
The use of "now" (νῦν, nyn) indicates immediacy and urgency. It highlights the present moment as a turning point in salvation history. This word emphasizes the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan, as the events leading to the crucifixion are set in motion. Theologically, it signifies the kairos moment, a divinely appointed time when God's purposes are realized.

the Son of Man
This title, "the Son of Man" (ὁ υἱὸς τοῦ ἀνθρώπου, ho huios tou anthrōpou), is one of Jesus' preferred self-designations. It reflects both His humanity and His divine authority. Rooted in Daniel 7:13-14, the term evokes the image of a heavenly figure who receives dominion and glory. In this context, it underscores Jesus' role as the suffering servant who will be exalted through His death and resurrection.

is glorified
The concept of glorification (ἐδοξάσθη, edoxasthē) is central to John's Gospel. It refers to the revelation of God's character and purposes through Jesus' life, death, and resurrection. In the immediate context, it points to the cross as the ultimate manifestation of divine love and justice. Theologically, glorification involves the paradox of suffering leading to exaltation, as Jesus' sacrificial death reveals the glory of God.

and God is glorified in Him
This phrase emphasizes the mutual glorification of the Father and the Son. The Greek construction suggests a reciprocal relationship, where the glorification of Jesus simultaneously reveals the glory of God the Father. This reflects the unity and co-equality of the Trinity, as the work of redemption is a collaborative act of divine love. Historically, this statement affirms the early Christian belief in Jesus' divinity and His unique role in revealing God's nature to humanity.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jesus
The central figure in this passage, Jesus is speaking to His disciples after Judas has left to betray Him. He refers to Himself as the "Son of Man," a title that emphasizes both His humanity and His divine mission.

2. Judas Iscariot
One of the twelve disciples, Judas has just left the Last Supper to betray Jesus, setting in motion the events leading to the crucifixion.

3. The Last Supper
This event is the setting for Jesus' discourse. It is a significant moment where Jesus shares a final meal with His disciples and teaches them important truths.

4. Glorification
A key theme in this passage, referring to the revelation of Jesus' divine nature and the fulfillment of His mission through His death and resurrection.

5. God the Father
Jesus speaks of God being glorified in Him, indicating the unity and shared purpose between the Father and the Son.
Teaching Points
Understanding Glorification
Jesus' glorification is not just about honor but involves His suffering and sacrifice. True glory in the Christian life often involves humility and service.

The Role of Betrayal
Judas' departure sets the stage for Jesus' glorification. God can use even the darkest moments for His purposes and glory.

Unity with God
Jesus' statement highlights the unity between Him and the Father. Believers are called to seek unity with God through obedience and faith.

The Cost of Discipleship
Following Jesus may involve trials and sacrifices, but it ultimately leads to glorification with Him.

Living for God's Glory
As Jesus lived to glorify the Father, Christians are called to live in a way that brings glory to God in all aspects of life.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the concept of glorification in John 13:31 challenge our understanding of success and honor in the Christian life?

2. In what ways can we see God's glory revealed in difficult or challenging circumstances, as seen in the events following Judas' betrayal?

3. How does the unity between Jesus and the Father, as mentioned in this passage, serve as a model for our relationship with God?

4. Reflect on a time when you had to make a sacrifice for your faith. How did this experience bring glory to God?

5. How can we actively seek to glorify God in our daily lives, and what practical steps can we take to ensure our actions align with this goal?
Connections to Other Scriptures
John 17:1-5
Jesus prays to the Father, asking to be glorified so that He may glorify the Father, further explaining the mutual glorification mentioned in John 13:31.

Philippians 2:5-11
This passage describes Jesus' humility and obedience, leading to His exaltation and glorification by God, echoing the themes of glorification in John 13:31.

Hebrews 2:9
This verse speaks of Jesus being crowned with glory and honor because of His suffering and death, connecting to the idea of glorification through sacrifice.
The Glory of the CrossAlexander MaclarenJohn 13:31
The Glory of the CrossAlexander Maclaren
People
Jesus, Judas, Peter, Simon
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Forth, Glorified, Glory, Says
Dictionary of Bible Themes
John 13:31

     2221   Christ, Son of Man
     2324   Christ, as Saviour

John 13:31-32

     1045   God, glory of
     1193   glory, revelation of
     1512   Trinity, equality of
     2024   Christ, glory of
     2525   Christ, cross of
     8440   glorifying God

Library
December 16 Morning
Having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end.--JOHN 13:1. I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine. And all mine are thine, and thine are mine; and I am glorified in them. I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.--Greater
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

May 16 Morning
A servant of Jesus Christ.--ROM. 1:1. Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am.--If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.--Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. What things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.--Being made free from sin, and become servants
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

July 10 Morning
The disciple is not above his master.--MATT. 10:24. Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord.--If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep your's also.--I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

July 4 Morning
Leaning on Jesus' bosom.--JOHN 13:23. As one whom his mother comforteth, so will I comfort you.--They brought young children to him, that he should touch them. And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them.--Jesus called his disciples unto him, and said, I have compassion on the multitude, because they continue with me now three days and have nothing to eat; and I will not send them away fasting, lest they faint in the way.--A high Priest . . . touched with the feeling
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

July 28 Morning
Walk in love.--EPH. 5:2. A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.--Above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.--Love covereth all sins. When ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.--Love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again.--Rejoice not when thine enemy
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

September 4 Evening
What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter.--JOHN 13:7. Thou shalt remember all the way which the Lord thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, and to prove thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments, or no. When I passed by thee, and looked upon thee, behold, thy time was the time of love; yea, I sware unto thee, and entered into a covenant with thee, saith the Lord God, and thou becamest mine.--Whom the Lord
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

October 21 Evening
The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.--JOHN 13:16,17. There was . . . a strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest. And he said unto them, The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and they that exercise authority upon them are called benefactors. But ye shall not be so: but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief,
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

August 30. "Happy are Ye if Ye do Them" (John xiii. 17).
"Happy are ye if ye do them" (John xiii. 17). You little know the rest that comes from the yielded will, the surrendered choice, the abandoned world, the meek and lowly heart that lets the world go by, and knows that it shall inherit the earth which it has refused! You little know the relish that it gives to the blessing to hunger and thirst after righteousness, and to be filled with a satisfaction that worldly delight cannot afford, and then to rise to the higher blessedness of the merciful, the
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

The Love of the Departing Christ
'... When Jesus knew that His hour was come that He should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved His own which were in the world, He loved them unto the end.'--JOHN xiii. 1. The latter half of St. John's Gospel, which begins with these words, is the Holy of Holies of the New Testament. Nowhere else do the blended lights of our Lord's superhuman dignity and human tenderness shine with such lambent brightness. Nowhere else is His speech at once so simple and so deep. Nowhere else have
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

'Is it I?'
'And they were exceeding sorrowful, and began every one of them to say unto Him, Lord, is it I? 25. Then Judas, which betrayed Him, answered and said, Master, is it I? He said unto him, Thou hast said.'-MATT. xxvi. 22, 25. 'He then lying on Jesus' breast saith unto Him, Lord, who is it?'--JOHN xiii. 25. The genius of many great painters has portrayed the Lord's Supper, but the reality of it was very different from their imaginings. We have to picture to ourselves some low table, probably a mere tray
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Dismissal of Judas
'... Then said Jesus unto Judas, That thou doest, do quickly.'--JOHN xiii. 27. When our Lord gave the morsel, dipped in the dish, to Judas, only John knew the significance of the act. But if we supplement the narrative here with that given by Matthew, we shall find that, accompanying the gift of the sop, was a brief dialogue in which the betrayer, with unabashed front, hypocritically said, 'Lord! Is it I?' and heard the solemn, sad answer, 'Thou sayest!' Two things, then, appealed to him at the moment:
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Cannot and Can
'Little children, yet a little while I am with you. Ye shall seek Me: and as I said unto the Jews, Whither I go ye cannot come; so now I say to you.'--JOHN xiii. 33. The preceding context shows how large and black the Cross loomed before Jesus now, and how radiant the glory beyond shone out to Him. But it was only for a moment that either of these two absorbed His thoughts; and with wonderful self-forgetfulness and self-command, He turned away at once from the consideration of how the near future
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Seeking Jesus
'... Ye shall seek Me.'--JOHN xiii. 33. In the former sermon on this verse I pointed out that it, in its fullness, applies only to the brief period between the crucifixion and the resurrection, but that, partly by contrast and partly by analogy, it suggests permanent relations between Christ and His disciples. These relations were mainly--as I pointed out then--two: there was that one expressed by the subsequent words of the verse, 'Whither I go, ye cannot come'--a brief 'cannot,' soon to be changed
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

A Rash Vow
'Jesus answered him, Wilt them lay down thy life for My sake? Verily, verily I say unto thee, The cock shall not crow, till thou hast denied Me thrice.'--JOHN xiii. 38. In the last sermon I partly considered the dialogue of which this is the concluding portion, and found that it consisted of an audacious question: 'Why cannot I follow Thee now?' which really meant a contradiction of our Lord; of a rash vow; 'I will lay down my life for Thy sake'--and of a sad forecast: 'The cock shall not crow till
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Servant-Master
'Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He was come from God, and went to God; He riseth from supper, and laid aside His garments; and took a towel, and girded Himself. After that He poureth water into a basin, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith He was girded.'--JOHN xiii. 3-5. It has been suggested that the dispute as to 'which was the greatest,' which broke the sanctities of the upper chamber, was connected with
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Glory of the Cross
'Therefore, when he was gone out, Jesus said, Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in Him. If God he glorified in Him, God shall also glorify Him in Himself, and shall straightway glorify Him.'--JOHN xiii. 31, 32. There is something very weird and awful in the brief note of time with which the Evangelist sends Judas on his dark errand. 'He ... went immediately out, and it was night.' Into the darkness that dark soul went. That hour was 'the power of darkness,' the very keystone of
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

'As I have Loved'
'A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another: as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are My disciples, if ye have love one to another.'--JOHN xiii. 34, 35. Wishes from dying lips are sacred. They sink deep into memories and mould faithful lives. The sense of impending separation had added an unwonted tenderness to our Lord's address, and He had designated His disciples by the fond name of 'little children.' The same sense here gives
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Quo Vadis?
'Peter said unto Him, Lord, why cannot I follow Thee now! I will lay down my life for Thy sake. Jesus answered him, Wilt thou lay down thy life for My sake? Verily, verily, I say unto thee, The cock shall not crow, till thou hast denied Me thrice.'--JOHN xiii. 37, 38. Peter's main characteristics are all in operation here; his eagerness to be in the front, his habit of blurting out his thoughts and feelings, his passionate love for his Master, and withal his inability to understand Him, and his self-confident
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

October the Twentieth the Lord as the Servant
"Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He came forth from God, and goeth to God...." --JOHN xiii. 1-20. And how shall we expect the sentence to finish? What shall be the issue of so vast a consciousness? "He took a towel, and girded Himself ... and began to wash the disciples' feet." So a mighty consciousness expresses itself in lowly service. In our ignorance we should have assumed that divinity would have moved only in planetary orbits, and would have
John Henry Jowett—My Daily Meditation for the Circling Year

25TH DAY. Heavenly Illumination.
"He is Faithful that Promised." "What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter."--JOHN xiii. 7. Heavenly Illumination. As the natural sun sometimes sinks in clouds, so, occasionally, the Christian who has a bright rising, and a brighter meridian, sets in gloom. It is not always "light" at his evening-time; but this we know, that when the day of immortality breaks, the last vestige of earth's shadows will for ever flee away. To the closing hour of time, Providence may be to him
John Ross Macduff—The Faithful Promiser

Love is the Touchstone by which the Reality of Truth is Perceived...
1. Love is the touchstone by which the reality of truth is perceived, and by it shall all men know that ye are My disciples (John xiii.35). I also make use of the sword of justice, so that at first sight some are inclined to think that, like Solomon, I intend to finish My work without mercy (1 Kings iii.16-28), but My object, like his, is to apply the touchstone of love which will bring out the truth, and show that you are the children of that God of Love who gave His life to save yours. You ought
Sadhu Sundar Singh—At The Master's Feet

The Paschal Meal. Jesus Washes the Disciples' Feet.
(Thursday Evening of the Beginning of Friday.) ^D John XIII. 1-20. ^d 1 Now before the feast of the passover, Jesus knowing that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto his Father, having loved his own that were in the world, he loved them unto the end. [Since the second century a great dispute has been carried on as to the apparent discrepancy between John and the synoptists in their statements concerning the passover. The synoptists, as we have seen in the previous section,
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

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