We have already decided that John is quite different from the Synoptics of Mark, Matthew and Luke.
John’s gospel is somehow “loftier.” It is more poetic, more theologically based. It is intentionally more creative, more advanced and more evolved. John is clearly writing to a much “more sophisticated audience.”
The section before us today, speaks of “glorification.” Now, there’s a fifty-cent “theological word” – if ever there was one!
It is all about “Jesus’ hour” – which will be the time of his “glorification.” It is the “right time,” the “right moment” and everything is coming together for this “one single moment in time” to happen.
Jesus will be “glorified”…and he will reveal the “glory of God.”
So, WE KNOW what John is hinting at – he is talking about the death and the resurrection of Jesus.
You do not hear many sermons talking about “glory and glorification.” It is a difficult subject to talk about…and to wrap your head around…even though, the words are common enough.
The word “Glory” comes from the Latin word Gloria – G-L-O-R-I-A – Gloria, just kidding…no wait, that was something else, altogether…
The word “Gloria” means “fame or renown.” It is the term used to describe the “manifestation of God’s presence.”
“God’s Glory” is a big deal in the scriptures…the “word” – appearing and being used more than 500 times.
It has been suggested that defining the “glory of God” is impossible. It goes back to “our lack of language.” And yet, still – we try to define it.
Again lofty words are used…it is all about the “holiness of God”…his being in a “class” all by himself when it comes to things like: greatness, worth and perfection. He is infinite in his greatness, infinite in his worth and infinite in his perfection. He is holy- separate, special, set apart. Holy other…
Which is to say, God cannot be improved upon, imitated, he is incomparable and he is intrinsic in his worth and in his value…
There is no other. He is one of a kind. The beauty and the greatness of God are beyond mere words.
I don’t know if you ever heard this before but there was a very old-ancient-custom in the church that when people took out a piece of paper to write something, they would write at the top – AMDG – Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam, which is latin for -“All For the Greater Glory of God.
That latter changed to writing JMJ – which stood for Jesus, Mary and Joseph. Basically, no matter what they were writing, it was being done or dedicated to the Glory of God.
God and God alone is worthy of our worship and praise. When was the last time you bothered to contemplate his greatness? His glory?
Behold his creation.
Stare at a starry night.
Think about the power, the might, the majesty as he called things into being.
Look into the eyes of a newborn baby.
Look to the snow covered peaks of the mountains…
Consider the majestic Atlantic Ocean teeming with millions of God designed-creatures.
Imagine the power (if you will) that makes the entire eco-system work.
Consider the inter-workings of your own human body.
It was the psalmist who wrote: “The heavens declare “the glory” of God; the skies proclaim the works of his hands.”
And the Prophet Isaiah who wrote: “Holy, Holy, Holy is the LORD Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.”
And our Gospel writer John, who wrote, “We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
And the Book of Romans: “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
God has a holiness…that no one else has…
This is Jesus’ hour, so you know what that means…the hour is coming…the time is at hand…and you know what is going to happen…
The final showdown in Jerusalem is about to take place…
Therefore Jesus says, “Now my soul is troubled.” And what should I say —“Father, save me from this hour?” No, it is for this reason that I have come to this hour.
Father, glorify your name.”
Jesus accepted his fate. And then he said, “When I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw all people to myself.”
And, Jesus was ready. Amen.