What does "Father, glorify Your name" reveal about Jesus' mission and priorities? Setting the Scene “ ‘Father, glorify Your name!’ ” (John 12:28). Moments earlier Jesus said, “Now My soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save Me from this hour’? No, for this purpose I have come to this hour” (v. 27). He stands in the shadow of the cross, surrounded by curious Greeks, puzzled disciples, and hostile leaders. A Window into Jesus’ Heart • Single-minded focus: The coming agony matters less to Him than the Father’s honor. • Voluntary submission: He does not ask to escape; He asks that the Father’s reputation be exalted. • Absolute trust: He is certain the Father will answer (“Then a voice came from heaven: ‘I have glorified it, and will glorify it again,’ ” v. 28b). Mission Revealed 1. Glorifying the Father is the mission’s center ‑ John 17:4: “I have glorified You on earth by accomplishing the work You gave Me to do.” ‑ John 4:34: “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me and to finish His work.” 2. The cross is the means of that glory ‑ John 12:23–24: “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified… unless a kernel of wheat falls…” ‑ Isaiah 53:10–11: the Servant’s suffering “will prosper” and “satisfy” the Father. 3. Redemption of people magnifies God’s name ‑ Ephesians 1:6: salvation is “to the praise of His glorious grace.” ‑ Revelation 5:9–13: every creature exalts the Lamb who was slain. Priorities Displayed • Obedience over comfort • Father’s will over personal safety • Eternal glory over immediate relief • Salvation of others over self-preservation Living Implications • Our prayers align with His when we ask first for the Father’s glory (Matthew 6:9–10). • Sacrifice becomes meaningful when it points beyond us to Him (Romans 12:1). • Confidence grows: if the Father answered Jesus audibly, He will honor the same request in us (John 14:13). Takeaway “Father, glorify Your name” sums up Jesus’ earthly purpose: to exalt the Father through perfect obedience, culminating in the cross and resurrection, so that countless lives are redeemed and God’s glory shines forever. |
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