John 13:32

John 13:32, in plain English

God will glorify Jesus, and He will do it soon. The cross is coming, but the resurrection is right behind it. Glory will answer sacrifice without delay.

Why it's here

Jesus wants His disciples to know that what is about to happen is not a defeat that God will eventually fix. It is a plan unfolding exactly on schedule, with glory following swiftly on the heels of suffering.

Who's speaking

Jesus speaks of the Father's swift response to His sacrifice.

Where it sits in the story

Even as the shadow of the cross looms, Jesus speaks of speed: God will glorify Him immediately. The grave will not hold Him long. Three days between death and resurrection, a blink of eternity. Glory is already on its way.

The scholarly reading

The mutual glorification between the Son and the Father is emphasized: God will glorify the Son 'in Himself' and 'at once' (euthys). The immediacy points to the rapid progression from cross to resurrection to ascension.

Language and setting

The phrase 'in Himself' indicates that God glorifies Jesus within His own divine being, through resurrection and exaltation. The 'at once' underscores the swift movement from death to glory.

Voice

Jesus continues His declaration of mutual glorification between Himself and the Father.

Significance

Jesus promises that the Father's glorification of the Son will be swift and personal. The cross will not be the final word; God will answer the Son's obedience with the immediate response of resurrection and exaltation. Glory responds to glory without delay.

30As soon as he had received the morsel, Judas went out into the night.

31When Judas had gone out, Jesus said, “Now the Son of Man is glorified, and God is glorified in Him.

32If God is glorified in Him, God will also glorify the Son in Himself—and will glorify Him at once.

33Little children, I am with you only a little while longer. You will look for Me, and as I said to the Jews, so now I say to you: ‘Where I am going, you cannot come.’

34A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you also must love one another.

Read all of John 13 — Hours before His death, Jesus wraps a towel around His waist and washes His disciples' feet. Then He gives them a new command.