God's Glory: Uppermost in Christ's Mind

Even in the upper room, the unveiling of divine glory was supreme in Christ’s mind. On the eve of the crucifixion, Jesus spoke of His death in these words: “Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in Him; if God is glorified in Him, God will also glorify Him in Himself” (John 13:31-32). God’s glory was uniquely displayed in Christ as He laid down His life for us.

With His mission to glorify God uppermost in His heart, Jesus led his disciples out of the upper room to the Garden of Gethsemane. His death imminent, Jesus isolated Himself for a brief time of prayer. Reaffirming His commitment to glorify the Father in His approaching death, He prayed, “Father, the hour has come; Glorify Thy Son, that the Son may glorify Thee” (John 17:1).

In Christ’s humble act of laying down His life, the Father would be supremely glorified in the Son, for countless numbers down through the centuries would believe on His name and be saved.

From a human perspective, the Cross was gory; but from a divine perspective, it was glory. From man’s perspective, the death of Christ was a dastardly deed, committed by rebellious men, and involved unspeakable suffering, pain, and humiliation. From God’s perspective, however, it was a divine work He intentionally carried out as the supreme revelation of His own glory.

The Cross was the ultimate display of the greatness of God.

Excerpt taken from Made in Our Image, by Steven Lawson.