John 13:31
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
John 13:31
31 Therefore, when he was gone out, Jesus said, Now is the Son of man glorified, and God is glorified in him.
Chapter Context
John 13 is a theological gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of sacrifice, grace, faith. Written during the late first century CE (c. 90-95 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Addressed late first-century challenges from both Judaism and emerging Gnostic thought.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-38: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it reveals key aspects of God's character through divine actions and declarations. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within John and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
John 13:31
31 Therefore, when he was gone out, Jesus said, Now is the Son of man glorified, and God is glorified in him.
Analysis
Now is the Son of man glorified (νῦν ἐδοξάσθη ὁ υἱὸς τοῦ ἀνθρώπου, nyn edoxasthē ho huios tou anthrōpou)—the aorist passive verb edoxasthē (was glorified) treats Christ's coming suffering as already accomplished. In John's theology, the cross is not humiliation but glorification (John 12:23-24). The betrayal sets in motion the Passion that reveals God's glory: holy justice satisfied, infinite love displayed, Satan defeated.
God is glorified in him—the Father's glory and the Son's glory are inseparable. Christ's perfect obedience unto death (Philippians 2:8) glorifies the Father by vindicating His righteousness and demonstrating His love (Romans 3:25-26). The cross is the theater of divine glory.
Historical Context
Jesus spoke these words immediately after Judas departed—the wheels of betrayal now in motion. Within 18 hours, Jesus would be crucified. Yet He speaks of glorification, not tragedy. This reflects the Jewish concept of kabod (glory, weightiness)—God's essential worth made visible. The cross would reveal God's character most fully.
Reflection
- How does viewing the cross as glorification rather than humiliation change your understanding of Christ's sacrifice?
- What does it mean that God is glorified when His Son suffers—how do justice and love intersect at Calvary?
- In what ways does Jesus's embrace of suffering for glory challenge your response to trials?
Word Studies
- God: Θεός (Theos) G2316 - God
Cross-References
- References Jesus: Acts 2:36
- References God: Ephesians 3:10
- Glory: John 7:39, 11:4, 12:23, 14:13, Acts 3:13, 1 Peter 1:21
- Parallel theme: John 16:14