³² … if God is glorified in Him, God will also glorify Him in Himself, and will glorify Him immediately.

Glory is what God is all about. Five times the word “glorify” appears in this and the preceding verse. The disciples were being introduced to an unveiling of God in a way that was previously unimaginable. They were going to see the glory of God like it had never been seen or understood before. In the darkening gloom, while they could only see confusion and seeping depression, Christ spoke of the brilliance of what was about to take place—like a football coach challenging his team to see their monumental loss as the best thing that could have happened because of a higher principle in view.

To glorify means to magnify, to enlarge the view of something, as we mentioned before. To help others see the great and wonderful that is truly there. The Hebrew concept of glory comes from the idea of weightiness. An architectural column was said to be glorious, because of its girth and solidness. The word “glory” came to be used of the weightiness of one’s character. So to glorify a person was not to simply embellish their image, but to reveal the weightiness of their character, who they really are. A painting, for example, can be seen simply as a work of art. But a good curator can explain the painting, its background, the ideas reflected, the subtleties, lighting—all of which help the viewer grow in appreciation for the masterpiece. He has “glorified” that work of art. A maestro can interpret the score of a music piece, focusing in on the various instruments, tones, rhythm, emphases, to bring concert-goers to a greater understanding and enjoyment of the beauty and symphonic resonance of the masterpiece. That glorifies the music and the composer. In the same way, glorifying God puts forth His character and nature in a way that makes us see how great He really is.

Four aspects of glory are seen in these five usages of the word “glorify” in verses 31-32. First, “The Son of Man is glorified.” The life and character of Jesus Christ has been laid out for all to see. The gospel accounts, like a magnifying glass, reveal the exquisite picture of Christ, not just what He taught, but who He was. He is “The Christ, the Son of the Living God.” No more will John use the phrase “Son of Man” as a title for Christ. He has been magnified as the Savior sent into the world to save those who have gone astray. The Son of Man has been glorified; He is the Son of God.

Lord, thank You that You have reveal to us that Jesus was more than just a good teacher and prophet. He is the exalted Lord and Christ, the promised Messiah.