Nougat 23

Today’s Holy Nougat invites reflection on glory.

“Jesus replied, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. … Father, glorify your name!” Then a voice came from heaven, “I have glorified it, and will glorify it again.”” ‭‭John‬ ‭12:23, 28‬ ‭NIV‬‬

There was a festival at the temple, which attracted guests far and wide. Among the visitors were Greeks who desired to meet Jesus. Though He didn’t refuse them audience, Jesus’ tone was somewhat somber as He spoke about the cost of discipleship and alluded to His imminent death.

Interestingly He referred to it as the ’hour’ for the Son of man to be glorified.

• What does glory mean in this context?

• Why would Jesus describe His death as the hour of His glory?

Between His words in the Nougat, Jesus refers to the regenerative power of death; that is, He made the direct connection between the death (planting) of a seed and its potential to bear abundantly. At the same time, Je also confessed to being troubled about His own death.

• If His dying was His glory, why would Jesus be troubled?

• How does this affect our own desire to be glorified?

Jesus then asked that God’s name was glorified. And, to everyone’s surprise, A Voice rumbled; loud enough for locals and foreign alike to hear: It (God’s name) had been glorified before and would be glorified again.

• Do you think there is a difference in meaning of ‘glory’ when used in respect to God?

• Can you think of an instance where God’s name had previously been glorified?

• When was/will be God’s name glorified thereafter?

As we each prayerfully ponder the questions on God’s and Jesus’ glory; I pray that we might be inclined to pray as Jesus did – Abba, glorify Your name (through me); amen.

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May all we seek be found in Christ