John 12:28–32 (ESV)


I have read this particular passage and somehow miss the significance, and amazement of this event. If you think about what took place in that moment, Jesus asks his Father to glorify his name and God showed up! Not in the still small voice, but THUNDER AND LIGHTENING and he spoke with a loud audible voice saying "I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again." 
I can only imagine how the people felt, and wonder if they were terrified like the Israelites were at the foot of the mountain that Moses met with God on "Mount Sinai"

Jesus suffered so much for us! 
I am learning to trust him in all areas, even when things are hard. 
_____________________________

“Father, glorify your name.” Then a voice came from heaven: “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.”
The crowd that stood there and heard it said that it had thundered. Others said, “An angel has spoken to him.”
Jesus answered, “This voice has come for your sake, not mine.
Now is the judgment of this world; now will the ruler of this world be cast out.
And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.”
---

🌿 When Glory Meets the Cross

This passage captures one of the most powerful moments in Jesus’ ministry — a glimpse into the divine exchange between the Son and the Father. As Jesus stands in the shadow of the cross, He utters a simple yet profound prayer: “Father, glorify your name.”

It’s not a plea for rescue or recognition, but a surrender of will. Jesus’ desire was that through His suffering, the Father would be glorified. The crowd hears the thunderous voice from heaven affirming, “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.” Heaven itself responds to Jesus’ obedience.

But notice what Jesus says next: “This voice has come for your sake, not mine.”
He didn’t need confirmation — we did. God allowed the crowd to hear so that their faith might be strengthened, to remind them (and us) that everything Jesus was about to endure was part of a divine plan of redemption.
---

⚔️ The Turning Point: Judgment and Victory

Jesus declares, “Now is the judgment of this world; now will the ruler of this world be cast out.”
At first glance, it might seem strange to call the cross a place of judgment — but that’s exactly what it was. The world’s sin, rebellion, and pride were laid bare, and through Jesus’ death, Satan’s authority was overthrown.

The cross wasn’t defeat; it was deliverance. What looked like humiliation became the ultimate display of God’s glory. The “lifting up” Jesus spoke of was both His crucifixion and His exaltation — the moment He would draw all people to Himself.

The lifting up of Jesus on the cross became the magnet of grace that would attract humanity across generations, cultures, and boundaries. The same Savior who was lifted on a wooden beam continues to lift hearts today, drawing the broken, the weary, and the lost into the arms of mercy.
---

💭 Reflection Questions

1. When you face suffering or hardship, do you ask God to remove it — or to be glorified through it?


2. What does Jesus’ surrender in this passage teach you about trusting God’s plan even when it’s painful?


3. How have you seen Jesus “draw” you closer to Him through moments of surrender or struggle?
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🙏 A Short Prayer

Father,
Glorify Your name in my life.
When trials come and my heart trembles, remind me of Jesus’ courage and surrender.
Help me to see Your glory in every moment — in victory and in suffering.
Lift me up, Lord, that I may be drawn closer to You,
and through my life, may others see Your light and love.
Amen.

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