What does John 13:31 mean?

Explanation

John 13:31 occurs during the Last Supper, after Judas has left to betray Jesus.

The verse encapsulates a significant moment of theological revelation wherein Jesus speaks of His glorification.

The glorification that Jesus refers to here is multifaceted.

On one level, it refers to the acknowledgment and magnification of Christ's divine nature and mission.

On another, it points to the impending events of the crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension which will glorify both the Son and the Father.

The use of "now" emphasizes the immediacy of the events that are to unfold.

The term "glorified" suggests both the honor and the divine approval that Jesus will receive through His obedience to His Father's will, despite the upcoming suffering and death.

This verse reveals a deep interconnection between the Father and the Son, where the glory of one reflects on the other.

Historical Context

The Gospel of John was written toward the end of the first century A.D.

John's portrayal of Jesus is distinct, often presenting Him as the incarnate Word of God.

John 13 begins the farewell discourse which continues until chapter 17, a section in which Jesus prepares His disciples for His departure.

In John 13:31, Jesus' reference to His glorification should be seen within the cultural and historical context of the Jewish expectations of the Messiah. The Jews expected a triumphant Messiah, and the idea of suffering was not commonly associated with glorification.

However, Jesus redefines this concept by asserting that true glorification for the Son of Man involves the path of suffering and sacrifice.

Theological Insights

This verse embodies several critical theological themes:

1. Christology: The identity and mission of Jesus as the Son of Man and the glorification through His self-sacrificial death which is paradoxically His victory.

2. Trinitarian Theology: The intimate relationship between Jesus (the Son) and God (the Father) where one's glorification results in the glorification of the other.

3. Eschatology: The "now" in this verse also points towards the fulfillment of the end-times. In the mission of Christ, eschatology or the final things are inaugurated. The Son of Man's glorification marks the beginning of the end of the current world order.

4. Soteriology: The glorification through the crucifixion represents the accomplishment of salvation for humanity.

Different denominations might emphasize various aspects of this verse. For example, Eastern Orthodox may focus on theosis (becoming like God) as part of glorification, while Protestants might stress the forensic aspect of our being made righteous through Christ's glorification.

Practical Applications

This verse encourages believers to find hope and purpose in suffering, understanding that God can redeem and glorify even the darkest situations. It also calls Christians to see glory not as the world sees it, but as God defines it - through obedience and sacrificial love.

Cross-References

• John 17:1: "Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee:"
• John 12:23: "And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified."
• Philippians 2:8-11: "And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross."

Language Study

In the original Greek, the term translated as "glorified" is δοξάζω (doxazō), which has connotations of honor, renown, and an expression of the divine nature.

"Son of Man" is a title with both messianic and eschatological connotations from the Hebrew Scriptures, particularly from the book of Daniel 7:13-14, which speaks of one appearing "like a son of man" who is given dominion and glory.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The theme of a god or hero being glorified through suffering or death is not unique to Christianity. In various myths, figures often undergo trials or death before their exaltation or apotheosis.

However, in the context of ancient Judaism and the surrounding Greco-Roman world, the unique aspect of Jesus’ glorification lies in its voluntary nature and connection to the salvation of humanity, rather than personal aggrandizement or heroism.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientific perspectives usually do not intersect with theological concepts such as glorification. Science deals with the material world, while glorification is a theological concept concerning the divine nature and its recognition.

However, from a psychological viewpoint, studies on human coping mechanisms may resonate with the theme of finding meaning and even "glorification" in the face of suffering.

Commentaries

Various experts and Bible scholars offer insights into John 13:31:

• D.A.

Carson notes the use of "now" indicates the "imminent prospect" of Jesus' crucifixion and the certainty of its occurrence.

• Leon Morris highlights the reciprocal glorification of the Son and the Father as pivotal, showcasing a central Johannine theme of the close relationship between Father and Son.
• Gail R.

O’Day emphasizes the role of the community of believers in relating to Jesus’ glorification, seeing it as a call to understand glory through love and obedience, not worldly triumph.