Meaning of John 12:23

Jesus' declaration, "The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified," signifies the imminent culmination of his earthly mission, marking a pivotal transition from his period of earthly ministry to his suffering, death, resurrection, and ascension. This "hour" is not merely a chronological point but represents a divinely appointed moment of profound significance, where Jesus' true identity and purpose are to be fully revealed and actualized through his sacrifice. The term "glorified" here does not refer to an increase in inherent glory, as Jesus was already divine, but rather to the manifestation and recognition of his divine glory through his redemptive work. It is through his obedience unto death that the Father's glory is most powerfully displayed, and through which humanity is offered reconciliation and eternal life.

Context and Background

This statement occurs within the context of Jesus' final week in Jerusalem, specifically after his triumphal entry and the encounter with Greeks who wished to see him. The disciples, having witnessed the growing crowds and the opposition from religious leaders, were likely experiencing a mixture of excitement and apprehension about Jesus' ultimate destiny. Jesus, however, is focused on the divine plan, understanding that his current reception, though outwardly positive in some respects, points towards a greater, albeit paradoxical, path of suffering that will ultimately lead to his exaltation. The "Son of Man" title itself, drawn from Daniel 7, evokes themes of divine authority and ultimate kingship, setting the stage for the radical redefinition of glory that Jesus is about to undertake.

Key Themes and Messages

• Divine Appointment: The phrase "the hour has come" emphasizes that Jesus' suffering and subsequent exaltation are not accidental but are part of a predetermined divine plan.
• Paradoxical Glory: Jesus redefines glory not as worldly power or recognition, but as self-sacrifice and obedience that leads to salvation. His glorification is intrinsically linked to his death.
• The Role of the Son of Man: The title connects Jesus to his eschatological role as the one who receives dominion and glory, but through a path of suffering.
• Universal Significance: The desire of the Greeks to see Jesus signals the universal scope of his redemptive mission, extending beyond Israel to all nations.

Spiritual Significance and Application

This verse calls believers to understand that true glory is not found in worldly achievements or status but in selfless service and obedience to God, even through hardship. It encourages a perspective that sees suffering and sacrifice not as endpoints, but as pathways to a deeper, more profound spiritual reality and ultimate glorification with Christ. For those facing trials, Jesus' anticipation of his "hour" offers hope and a model for enduring difficulties with a focus on God's ultimate purposes.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

John 12:23 is a crucial nexus in the Gospel of John, bridging Jesus' public ministry with the Passion narrative. It echoes Old Testament prophecies concerning the suffering servant (Isaiah 53) who would be "exalted and lifted up, and have been very high." It also aligns with Jesus' repeated predictions of his suffering and resurrection, framing these events as the necessary prelude to his ultimate enthronement and the establishment of his kingdom. The "Son of Man" imagery from Daniel 7 is directly invoked, signifying that Jesus' suffering is the means by which he attains the promised authority and dominion.

Analogies

• The Seed: Jesus himself uses the analogy of a seed dying to bring forth much fruit (John 12:24). The seed's "death" (burial in the ground, vulnerability) is the prerequisite for its "glorification" (growth into a plant, reproduction). Similarly, Jesus' death is the catalyst for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and the multiplication of believers.
• The Refiner's Fire: Just as precious metals are purified and made more valuable through intense heat, Jesus' suffering refines and purifies humanity's relationship with God, revealing and enhancing the glory of God's redemptive plan.
• The Crown of Thorns: While the world might see a crown of thorns as a symbol of shame and defeat, Jesus transforms it into a symbol of his ultimate triumph and kingship, a paradox of glory found in suffering.

Relation to Other Verses

• John 3:14-15: "And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life." This verse foreshadows the necessity of Jesus' being "lifted up" (crucified) as the means of salvation, directly paralleling the "glorification" spoken of in John 12:23.
• Philippians 2:8-11: "And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." This passage explicitly links Jesus' obedience unto death with his exaltation and glorification, mirroring the sentiment in John 12:23.
• Hebrews 12:2: "looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God." This verse highlights Jesus' motivation for enduring the cross – the joy of his glorification and the salvation of humanity – which is the essence of the "hour" he speaks of.