Glorified Through the Cross: Jesus’ View of His Death
In human terms, death is often associated with defeat, loss, and sorrow. It is the end of a story, the final moment of a life. But in the Kingdom of God, things work upside-down—and Jesus made it clear that His death was not a tragedy but a triumph.
Jesus repeatedly spoke of His death not as shameful or humiliating but as His moment of glorification.
“The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified.” (John 12:23, NASB)
What was this glorious hour Jesus was referring to? The cross.
This is a radical perspective—one that challenges us to see suffering, sacrifice, and obedience through the lens of eternity. Jesus' death was not an accident; it was the pathway to glory, the moment in which He accomplished the greatest victory in history.
Let’s explore what it means that Jesus viewed His death as glorification and how this truth should shape our own understanding of suffering, obedience, and eternal reward.
1. Jesus' Death Was His Glorification
John 12:23-24 – The Hour of Glory
As Jesus approached His crucifixion, He didn’t speak of it as a defeat—He called it glory:
“The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Truly, truly I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.” (John 12:23-24, NASB)
Jesus knew that His death was the key to bringing life to many. Like a seed that must die in the ground before it can grow and multiply, Jesus’ death was the moment that His mission would bear its greatest fruit—the salvation of countless souls.
John 17:1 – “Glorify Your Son”
On the night before His crucifixion, Jesus prayed:
“Father, the hour has come; glorify Your Son, so that the Son may glorify You.” (John 17:1, NASB)
Jesus didn’t ask to escape the cross. He didn’t see it as a moment of shame but as the moment when God would glorify Him—because through His sacrifice, He would bring about redemption, revealing the fullness of God’s love, justice, and power.
John 13:31-32 – Glorified Through Betrayal
Even when Judas left to betray Him, Jesus’ response was not sorrow but declaration of glory:
“Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in Him.” (John 13:31, NASB)
In other words, His betrayal, suffering, and death were not setbacks—they were part of the divine plan to glorify God.
2. How Was Jesus’ Death His Glorification?
The cross was not a moment of defeat but a moment of glory in at least four ways:
1. The Cross Displayed the Glory of God’s Love
The greatest demonstration of love in human history was not found in Jesus’ miracles but in His sacrifice:
“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”(Romans 5:8, NASB)
Jesus’ death magnified God’s love, showing His willingness to go to the ultimate extent to redeem humanity.
2. The Cross Displayed the Glory of Jesus' Obedience
Jesus' obedience to the Father was perfect, even unto death:
“He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death: death on a cross.” (Philippians 2:8, NASB)
His death was not weakness—it was the ultimate act of submission to God’s will, fulfilling the divine purpose set before Him.
3. The Cross Displayed the Glory of Jesus’ Victory
The cross wasn’t just an act of sacrifice—it was a conquest. Through His death, Jesus:
Defeated Satan (Colossians 2:15)
Broke the power of sin (Romans 6:10-11)
Overcame death itself (1 Corinthians 15:54-57)
His suffering wasn’t the end—it was the means through which He secured eternal triumph.
4. The Cross Displayed the Glory of God’s Plan of Redemption
From a human standpoint, Jesus' death seemed like a failure—but in reality, it was the greatest fulfillment of prophecy and God’s redemptive plan.
What seemed like defeat was actually the climax of God's victory:
“For this reason, God also highly exalted Him and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name.” (Philippians 2:9, NASB)
Because of the humiliation of the cross, Jesus was exalted above all things.
3. What This Means for Us
Jesus’ perspective on glory through suffering is not just about His own death—it teaches us how to view our own lives and struggles.
1. Our Suffering Has Purpose
Like Jesus, we will also face trials. But when we suffer for Christ, we are not losing—we are sharing in His glory:
“If we endure, we will also reign with Him.” (2 Timothy 2:12, NASB)
The world sees sacrifice for God as loss—but in the Kingdom, suffering for Jesus produces eternal reward.
2. Our Obedience, Even When Costly, Glorifies God
Following Jesus will cost us something—but in that cost, we glorify Him:
“Whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.” (Matthew 16:25, NASB)
Jesus didn’t see obedience as a restriction but as the pathway to glory. We, too, must see our sacrifices as part of our eternal calling.
3. We Are Called to Take Up Our Cross
Jesus invites us to follow His path:
“If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Me.” (Matthew 16:24, NASB)
Our lives aren’t about self-exaltation. We are called to humble ourselves, knowing that in God's Kingdom, the way up is down.
“Whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” (Matthew 23:12, NASB)
Conclusion: The Glory of the Cross
Jesus saw His death not as a defeat but as the pathway to glory. Through the cross, He displayed the greatest love, achieved the greatest victory, and fulfilled God’s eternal plan.
This truth challenges us:
Will we embrace suffering for Christ as part of our glorification?
Will we trust that obedience leads to eternal reward?
Will we see the unseen, recognizing that true victory comes through surrender?
Jesus has shown us the way. Now, it is our turn to take up our cross, follow Him, and trust that there is eternal glory in every sacrifice.
“The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified.” (John 12:23, NASB)
May we, too, glorify God in every step of obedience and sacrifice for His sake.