John 13:31 – “When he was gone, Jesus said, ‘Now the Son of Man is glorified and God is glorified in him.'”

Extended Explanation

This verse marks a significant shift in the conversation at the Last Supper. Judas has just left to betray Jesus (John 13:30), and now Jesus turns His focus to His remaining disciples. Instead of reacting with sadness or fear, Jesus speaks about glory.

By saying “Now the Son of Man is glorified”, Jesus is referring to His upcoming suffering, death, and resurrection. From a human perspective, betrayal, arrest, and crucifixion look like failure. But from God’s perspective, this was the very moment where Jesus’ mission would be completed. His death on the cross would not be a defeat, but the greatest display of God’s love, justice, and power.

The phrase “God is glorified in him” shows that Jesus’ obedience to the Father—going to the cross—would bring glory to God. Everything Jesus did was in perfect unity with the Father’s plan. His sacrifice would reveal God’s holiness, justice, and mercy in a way that nothing else could.

Historical Context

This conversation takes place in the Upper Room, during the Last Supper, on the night before Jesus is crucified. Up to this point, Jesus had been preparing His disciples for what was about to happen, but they still did not fully understand.

By the time Jesus speaks these words, Judas has already left to betray Him. This means that Jesus is now surrounded only by those who truly belong to Him. Knowing that His death is just hours away, Jesus does not speak in despair—He speaks of victory.

The term “Son of Man” comes from the Old Testament, particularly in Daniel 7:13-14, where it describes a figure given power and authority by God. Jesus often used this title for Himself, emphasizing both His humanity and His divine mission.

Theological Implications

1. Jesus’ Death Is His Glorification – To human eyes, the cross looked like a moment of shame, but to God, it was the greatest act of obedience and love. Jesus was glorified not by avoiding suffering but by enduring it for our sake.
2. God’s Glory Is Revealed in Christ – Everything Jesus did was for the glory of the Father. His death would display God’s love, righteousness, and faithfulness in a way the world had never seen before.
3. God’s Plan Is Always at Work – Even though Judas had left to betray Jesus, God’s plan was still unfolding exactly as intended. Human betrayal did not stop God’s purposes; in fact, it was part of them.
4. The Cross Is Central to the Christian Faith – Jesus’ words remind us that the cross is not just an unfortunate event—it is the foundation of salvation. Without it, there would be no forgiveness of sin or hope for eternal life.

Literary Analysis

John 13:31 is structured in a way that highlights the contrast between human events and divine purpose.

• “When he was gone” – This phrase emphasizes that Judas, the one who had aligned himself with darkness, had left. Now, Jesus can speak freely to His true disciples.
• “Now the Son of Man is glorified” – The word “now” shows that Jesus sees His suffering as an immediate reality, not something distant. His glorification is not in escaping the cross, but in embracing it.
• “And God is glorified in him” – This statement reinforces that Jesus’ work and the Father’s plan are inseparable. What Jesus does brings honor and glory to God.

John’s Gospel frequently focuses on the theme of glory. Unlike human glory, which is often about power and status, Jesus’ glory comes through humble obedience and sacrificial love.

Relevant Biblical Cross-References

• John 12:23-24 – “Jesus replied, ‘The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.’” (Jesus had already spoken about His death as the path to glory.)
• John 17:1 – “After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed: ‘Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you.’” (Jesus prays for the Father to glorify Him through the cross.)
• Philippians 2:8-9 – “And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name.” (Jesus’ humility led to His exaltation.)
• Isaiah 53:10-11 – “Yet it was the Lord’s will to crush him and cause him to suffer, and though the Lord makes his life an offering for sin, he will see his offspring and prolong his days, and the will of the Lord will prosper in his hand.” (The suffering of God’s servant was always part of the plan.)

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

1. God’s Glory Is Not Always What We Expect – Many people think of glory in terms of success, recognition, or comfort. But Jesus teaches that true glory comes through obedience and sacrifice.
2. Difficult Seasons Can Be Part of God’s Plan – Jesus’ suffering was not a detour; it was the very thing that would accomplish salvation. In the same way, God can use our struggles for His greater purposes.
3. Jesus’ Death Shows Us What Love Really Means – Jesus did not just talk about love; He demonstrated it by giving Himself for us. This is the model we are called to follow.
4. Our Purpose Is to Glorify God – Just as Jesus lived to glorify the Father, our lives should reflect God’s goodness, love, and truth. Whether in our work, relationships, or challenges, we are called to bring glory to Him.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

This verse reveals God’s love in a profound way. Jesus was not forced to go to the cross—He willingly chose to suffer so that we could be saved. His obedience glorified the Father because it fulfilled the ultimate plan of redemption.

God’s love is also seen in how He brings glory out of suffering. What seemed like defeat was actually the greatest victory. This reminds us that God can take even the darkest moments and use them for good.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

1. Jesus Is the Son of Man – This title, drawn from Daniel 7, emphasizes both Jesus’ humanity and His divine authority. He is the one chosen by God to bring salvation.
2. Jesus’ Death Was His Path to Glory – Unlike earthly rulers who seek glory through power, Jesus gained glory through self-sacrifice.
3. Jesus Perfectly Reflects the Father – Everything Jesus did was to glorify God. His obedience, even to death, revealed God’s love and justice in the most powerful way.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Why does Jesus say He is glorified at the moment of His betrayal? How does this challenge our understanding of glory?
2. What does this verse teach us about suffering and God’s greater plan?
3. How can we bring glory to God in our own lives?
4. How does Jesus’ example of obedience to the Father encourage us in our own walk with Him?
5. How can we trust God when we do not fully understand what He is doing?

John 13:31 is a powerful reminder that Jesus’ suffering was not a loss—it was the greatest victory. His obedience brought glory to the Father, and through His sacrifice, we are invited to share in that glory by following Him in faith and love.