Friday, March 29, 2024

When he [Judas] was gone, Jesus said, “Now is the Son of Man glorified and God is glorified in him.”

—John 13:31

Thoughts on Today’s Verse…

In the powerful old hymn “Beneath the Cross of Jesus,” we sing “my glory all the cross.” That was genuinely true of Jesus. While other human leaders try to find glory in all sorts of ways, Jesus’ path to glory was the cross. He wasn’t after acclaim; he wanted to obey and glorify the Father! So when Judas left the Last Supper, the final stages of the process were set in motion. These processes would bring Jesus to the horrors of Calvary, the cross, and crucifixion. But rather than seeing the cross as his degradation, Jesus saw it as his way of glorifying God, bringing honor to God, and bringing us salvation.

My Prayer…

O, dear Father, please forgive me for seeking the approval and recognition of others. Please forgive me for being so self-centered. Please forgive me for thinking of my glory and not yours. And yes, please forgive me when I have trampled on the hearts of others because I was so busy gaining attention for myself and neglected those around me. Jesus’ example in the last week of his life shocks me back to reality, Father, and helps me realize that true greatness is found in serving you, completely, no matter the cost, like Jesus. In Jesus’ name, I pray and long to bring you glory. Amen.