When Judas had gone out, Jesus said, “Now the Son of Man is glorified, and God is glorified in him.
John 13:31 NET
Jesus spent one last evening with his disciples before going to the cross. During that time, he shared that one of them would betray him. Then, after Judas had left, Jesus told his disciples that he was glorified. Jesus was glorified in his betrayal and crucifixion, and God was glorified in him. But how can that be? How could a gruesome death glorify both the victim and God?
That relationship between suffering and glory is one of the mysteries of the faith. But it is not just any suffering–it is suffering for Christ. And it is not just any glory–it is a glory that has its source in God and his glory.
Linking Glory and Suffering
These two ideas are linked together throughout the writings of the apostles.
•⠀I ask you, therefore, not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you, which are your glory.– Ephesians 3:13
•⠀I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. – Romans 8:18
•⠀For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.– 2 Corinthians 4:17
•⠀But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. – 1 Peter 4:13
Suffering is not pleasant. And nowhere are we told to go looking for it. But when it comes, and it will if we are faithful to our Lord (2 Tim. 3:12), we can rejoice in what it produces.
Our suffering will develop our Christian character and draw us closer to our Lord (Rom. 5:3-5). Our suffering for Christ will result in eternal glory (2 Cor. 4:17). And it will lead to God being glorified in us.
Jesus was glorified on the cross. And God was glorified in him. In the same way, we will be glorified in our suffering for Christ. And God will be glorified in us.
