John chapter 13 is a very interesting chapter. Jesus is hosting the last supper with his friends. He uses this time to make a dramatic and moving demonstration of "servant leadership," by taking on the role of the lowest slave and washing their feet. After doing this, he tells them directly, "Now that I your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you."
What I love about this example is that Jesus doesn't just 'hope' that they get it. He doesn't model this humble act and then move on. He is very direct and lets them know. You do this, too!
At the end of the meal, Jesus predicts his betrayal and even names the person by handing Judas a piece of bread. Then it says, "As soon as Judas had taken the bread, he went out. And it was night."
Notice how this scene ends - in verse 27, it says, "As soon as Judas took the bread, Satan entered into him." Then after this, he went out and it was night. So the scene ends with Satan in Judas and it was dark.
Now, our text for today. In verse 31, "When he (Judas) was gone, Jesus said, "Now is the Son of Man glorified and God is glorified in him. If God is glorified in him, God will glorify the Son in himself, and will glorify him at once." Jesus uses the word glorify FIVE times. WOW - Is this a throw back to him being the light that overcomes the darkness or WHAT? Just when evil is on the scene and it is all dark and dreary looking, God in Jesus Christ brings light and glory to the scene. In John 1:5, The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it." Can we find hope and comfort in that fact? Can we hold out hope that even in our darkest hours, Jesus is present and bringing light and life to bear?
Don't know about you, but I find great comfort and hope in this brief observation. If I have time, I will also dive into the "new command" topic that is in this passage as well. Until then, have a great week.
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