“Now my soul is deeply troubled. Should I pray, ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But this is the very reason I came! Father, bring glory to your name.” Then a voice spoke from heaven, saying, “I have already brought glory to my name, and I will do so again.” When the crowd heard the voice, some thought it was thunder, while others declared an angel had spoken to him. Then Jesus told them, “The voice was for your benefit, not mine. The time for judging this world has come, when Satan, the ruler of this world, will be cast out. And when I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw everyone to myself.” He said this to indicate how he was going to die.” John 12:27-33
As you read the story about Jesus and his life, things happen to him which just aren’t ordinary. In this passage alone a voice from heaven (God himself) speaks out to Jesus.
As Jesus has said throughout Scripture that he and the Father is one, this voice echoes immediately his voice. When Jesus says, “Father, bring glory to your name,” God answers in reply (for our benefit) “I have already brought glory to my name and I will do so again.” Jesus is bringing glory to the Father through his life. He is the physical representation of God’s glory. Humanity benefits from that glory as well.
Yet Jesus begins this by telling us, and confessing to himself, that this task of going to the cross is troubling. He says, “My souls is deeply troubled. Should I pray, “Father save me from this hour?” No, Jesus says, for this is the reason that he came. He came to show us how to live for God and how to die for God’s glory.
Jesus’ death isn’t in vain. Although Satan (who Jesus says is the ruler of this world) will be cast out when, and only when Jesus is lifted up from the earth — i.e. he’s speaking of the resurrection. Then Jesus will “draw everyone to himself.”
A few things come to mind in these later verses — 1) why is Satan allowed to be the ruler of this earth. Frankly, that sucks. But it was for our sin that we let him in. God’s love allowed us to choose our own way and we chose sin and evil. Jesus comes to save us from our choices. And 2) why is Jesus waiting to draw all people? Why not come now! I pray for his quick return!
The voice from heaven is the Lord’s and it’s spoken to Jesus for him and our benefit. It’s the Lord God who loves us and is rescuing us from the penalty of sin and death.
Today, live in this moment of truth! Lean into the Lord who loves you more than you love your own life. Allow him to abide in you in grace and truth that you might know the One who was sent to redeem you and hold you for eternity in heaven.
“Lord, I am grateful. I am saddened that I put you on the cross. Still, my decisions don’t keep you there. You’ve risen! I don’t have to give in to the sin that so easily entangles. You’ve provided a way for me to run from temptation and follow the path of righteousness. I praise you Lord for the road you paved for all humankind. I love you and praise your everlasting name. For you are good and your love endures forever.” Amen