John 13:31 - Printer Friendly

ESV: When he had gone out, Jesus said, “Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in him.

NIV: When he was gone, Jesus said, 'Now the Son of Man is glorified and God is glorified in him.

NASB: Therefore when he had left, Jesus *said, 'Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in Him;

CSB: When he had left, Jesus said, "Now the Son of Man is glorified, and God is glorified in him.

NLT: As soon as Judas left the room, Jesus said, 'The time has come for the Son of Man to enter into his glory, and God will be glorified because of him.

KJV: Therefore, when he was gone out, Jesus said, Now is the Son of man glorified, and God is glorified in him.

NKJV: So, when he had gone out, Jesus said, “Now the Son of Man is glorified, and God is glorified in Him.

The gospel of John has made several references to Jesus working according to a divine schedule (John 2:4; 7:30; 8:20; 12:23). Here, again, Christ refers to something happening according to a set timetable (John 12:23). The ultimate purpose for which Jesus was born as a man is at hand: His sacrificial death (Matthew 16:21). This comment seems deliberately withheld until after Judas is dismissed (John 13:26–30).

Jesus will refer to the concept of glory several times in the next few verses. The death and resurrection of Jesus are pivotal moments in mankind's relationship with their Creator. The idea that God would come in human form, die an unjust death, and use that sacrifice to pay the penalty of human sin is incomprehensible. This act of outrageous mercy glorifies God, proving His love and mercy. In a sense, this verse is a glimpse into the mind of God. What our instincts tell us is shameful and barbaric is going to be used for the greatest possible good.

This verse again uses the term "Son of Man," which relates to a prophecy in the book of Daniel (Daniel 7:13). This is a title applied to the Messiah, one Jesus uses often for Himself.

John 13:31–35 contains one of the most powerful commands given to Christians: that love for others is the defining sign of faith for ''all people,'' marking the life of a true believer. Jesus frames this as a new commandment, using His own example as the standard. In giving this charge, Jesus once again predicts His impending death and departure from earth.

Jesus meets with a smaller group, possibly only the twelve disciples, in a private setting. Before eating a meal, Jesus performs the work of a lowly servant, washing the feet of the disciples. He explains that this is an object lesson. Their Lord is willing to serve in humility, so they are obligated to do the same. Jesus also predicts His impending betrayal, subtly telling Judas to leave and complete His conspiracy. The disciples don't realize what's happened, however. Peter foolishly brags about his loyalty. Jesus responds with a cutting prediction: Peter will deny his relationship to Christ three times in the next few hours.

The first twelve chapters of the gospel of John describe the public ministry of Jesus. Starting in chapter 13, most of what John describes are the last private moments Jesus enjoys prior to His crucifixion. This begins with Jesus washing the disciples' feet, establishing both an example and a command for humble service. Jesus also predicts His impending betrayal and Peter's cowardly denials. Following chapters contain Jesus' last instructions to the disciples, including a rich collection of truths which are central to the Christian faith.

The gospel of John was written by the disciple John, decades later than the gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. The author assumes that a reader is already familiar with the content of these other works. So, John presents a different perspective, with a greater emphasis on meaning. John uses seven miracles—which he calls “signs”—in order to prove that Jesus is, in fact, God incarnate. Some of the most well-known verses in all of the Bible are found here. None is more famous than the one-sentence summary of the gospel found in John 3:16.