Finding Glory in the Cross and Suffering
Summary
In today's sermon, we explored the profound biblical concept of glory, particularly as it relates to the cross of Jesus Christ. We began by considering the public ministry of Jesus as depicted in the Gospel of John, noting that despite performing seven symbolic signs, the response from the people, especially the Jewish leaders, was largely one of disbelief and rejection. This culminated in a plot to kill Jesus, marking a pivotal moment in the narrative.
We then delved into the meaning of glory from a biblical perspective. Glory, in its simplest form, is associated with brightness or brilliance, much like the awe-inspiring view from the summit of Mount Kinabalu at sunrise. However, the biblical understanding of glory goes much deeper, encompassing the concepts of weightiness, heaviness, and density. This heaviness is symbolic of value, honor, and respect. In the Old Testament, God's glory is so intense that it is dangerous for humans to approach, as seen in the account of Moses on Mount Sinai.
The Gospel of John presents a unique perspective on glory, intertwining it with the themes of suffering and the cross. John connects the glory of Jesus with the prophecies of Isaiah, particularly chapters 6 and 53, which speak of the Lord's exaltation and the suffering servant. In John 12, Jesus declares that the hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified, referring to His impending crucifixion. This paradoxical association of glory with suffering and death is central to John's portrayal of Jesus' mission.
As we approach Easter, we are reminded that the cross, an instrument of suffering and shame, is the ultimate expression of Jesus' glory. It is through His sacrifice that we find the full revelation of God's love and the means of our salvation. The cross stands as a testament to the weighty glory of God's redemptive plan.
In applying this understanding of glory to our lives, we considered three aspects: relational suffering, the distinction between physical and spiritual well-being, and the ministry of presence in suffering with others. We recognized that relationships often involve pain and that through enduring and forgiving, we grow in holiness. We also acknowledged that physical suffering does not negate our capacity for spiritual joy and peace, as exemplified by Jesus Himself. Lastly, we emphasized the importance of being present with those who suffer, sharing in their burdens without the need for many words.
Key Takeaways:
- Biblical glory is not merely about radiance but also about the weightiness of God's presence, which is both valuable and transformative. As we seek to reflect God's glory in our lives, we must embrace the fullness of His character, including His holiness and righteousness. [13:21]
- The cross of Jesus is the ultimate expression of glory in the Gospel of John. It is through His suffering and death that the love and salvation of God are most powerfully displayed. This challenges us to reconsider our own understanding of glory and to find beauty in sacrifice and service. [23:53]
- Relational suffering is an inevitable part of life, but it is also a means through which we can grow in holiness. As we navigate the complexities of human relationships, we are called to exercise grace, patience, and forgiveness, reflecting the character of Christ in our interactions with others. [27:23]
- Our spiritual well-being is not solely dependent on our physical circumstances. Even in the midst of physical suffering, we can experience profound spiritual joy and peace by focusing on the presence and promises of God, as Jesus did during His final hours. [30:08]
- The ministry of presence is a powerful way to share in the sufferings of others. By simply being with those who are grieving or in pain, we offer a tangible expression of God's love and compassion, bearing witness to the hope we have in Christ. [32:06]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. John 12:23-28 (ESV)
> "And Jesus answered them, 'The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him. Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? "Father, save me from this hour"? But for this purpose I have come to this hour. Father, glorify your name.' Then a voice came from heaven: 'I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.'"
2. Isaiah 53:3-5 (ESV)
> "He was despised and rejected by men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed."
3. Isaiah 6:1-3 (ESV)
> "In the year that King Uzziah died I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up; and the train of his robe filled the temple. Above him stood the seraphim. Each had six wings: with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. And one called to another and said: 'Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!'"
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Jesus mean when He says, "The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified" in John 12:23? How does this relate to His impending crucifixion? [21:37]
2. In Isaiah 53:3-5, what are the specific sufferings and rejections that the servant of the Lord endures? How do these verses foreshadow the suffering of Jesus?
3. How is the concept of glory depicted in Isaiah 6:1-3, and how does it compare to the glory described in John 12:23-28? [18:45]
4. According to the sermon, what are the two primary meanings of glory in the Bible, and how do they relate to the cross of Jesus? [08:18]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the paradox of glory and suffering in John 12:23-28 challenge our conventional understanding of glory? What does this reveal about the nature of Jesus' mission? [23:09]
2. In what ways does Isaiah 53:3-5 illustrate the concept of "relational suffering" mentioned in the sermon? How does this apply to our personal relationships? [27:23]
3. How does the vision of God's glory in Isaiah 6:1-3 emphasize the holiness and separateness of God? How does this understanding of glory impact our view of God's presence in our lives? [13:21]
4. Reflecting on the sermon, how can we reconcile physical suffering with spiritual well-being, as exemplified by Jesus during His final hours? [30:08]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you experienced relational suffering. How did you handle it, and what did you learn about grace, patience, and forgiveness? How can you apply these lessons to current relationships? [27:23]
2. How do you typically respond to physical suffering or discomfort? What steps can you take to focus on spiritual joy and peace, even in the midst of physical challenges? [30:08]
3. Think of someone in your life who is currently suffering. How can you practice the ministry of presence with them this week? What specific actions can you take to show them God's love and compassion? [32:06]
4. How does the concept of glory as weightiness and value change your perspective on God's presence in your daily life? What practical steps can you take to honor and reflect God's glory in your actions and decisions? [13:21]
5. As we approach Easter, how can you find beauty in sacrifice and service in your own life? Identify one area where you can serve others sacrificially this week. [23:53]
6. How can you cultivate a deeper understanding of the cross as the ultimate expression of Jesus' glory? What specific practices or reflections can help you appreciate the significance of the cross in your spiritual journey? [23:09]
7. In what ways can you grow in holiness through enduring and forgiving in your relationships? Share a specific example and discuss how you can apply biblical principles to navigate this situation. [27:23]
Devotional
Day 1: Glory Beyond Radiance
The concept of glory in the Bible transcends mere brightness; it signifies the profound weightiness of God's presence. This presence is not just a light that dazzles the eyes but a reality that transforms the heart and mind. It carries with it a sense of value, honor, and respect that is unparalleled. As believers, the call is to embody this glory through a life that reflects God's character, including His holiness and righteousness. This transformative glory should be evident in the way one lives, interacts with others, and upholds the truth of the Gospel. It is a glory that is not just seen but felt and experienced by those around, drawing them closer to the divine. [13:21]
2 Corinthians 3:18 (ESV)
"And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit."
Reflection: How can you live today in a way that reflects the weighty glory of God's presence to those around you?
Day 2: Beauty in Sacrifice and Service
The cross, an emblem of suffering and shame, paradoxically stands as the ultimate expression of Jesus' glory. It is through His sacrifice that the love and salvation of God are most powerfully displayed. This challenges believers to redefine their understanding of glory, finding beauty not in triumph and accolades but in sacrifice and service. The cross calls one to a life of self-denial, where true glory is found in laying down one's life for others, just as Jesus did. This perspective turns the world's values upside down, placing the highest honor on love and self-giving rather than on power and prestige. [23:53]
Hebrews 12:2 (ESV)
"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."
Reflection: What is one way you can practice sacrificial love in your community this week, as a reflection of the glory revealed on the cross?
Day 3: Growing Through Relational Suffering
Relational suffering is an inevitable part of life, yet it is also a crucible for spiritual growth. In the complexities of human relationships, one is called to exercise grace, patience, and forgiveness. These challenges are not to be shunned but embraced as opportunities to reflect Christ's character. As one endures and forgives, they grow in holiness, becoming more like Jesus. This process is not easy, but it is essential for anyone who desires to live a life that is pleasing to God and beneficial to others. [27:23]
Colossians 3:12-13 (ESV)
"Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive."
Reflection: Who do you need to show more patience and forgiveness to in your life, and what practical step can you take today to do so?
Day 4: Spiritual Well-being Amidst Suffering
Physical suffering does not have the final say over one's spiritual well-being. Even in the midst of pain and hardship, profound spiritual joy and peace can be experienced by focusing on the presence and promises of God. This truth was exemplified by Jesus during His final hours. Believers are encouraged to look beyond their circumstances and to anchor their souls in the hope and peace that come from God alone. This spiritual resilience is a testament to the power of faith and the reality of God's sustaining grace. [30:08]
Romans 5:3-4 (ESV)
"Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope."
Reflection: In what area of your life are you experiencing hardship, and how can you more intentionally seek God's peace in the midst of it?
Day 5: The Ministry of Presence
The ministry of presence is a profound way to share in the sufferings of others. By being with those who are grieving or in pain, one offers a tangible expression of God's love and compassion. This ministry does not require grand gestures or eloquent words; often, the simple act of being present is the most powerful testimony to the hope found in Christ. It is a reminder that no one is alone in their suffering and that God's love is made manifest through His people. [32:06]
1 Thessalonians 5:14 (ESV)
"And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all."
Reflection: How can you be a presence of comfort and support to someone in your life who is currently suffering, and what specific action will you take to do this?
Quotes
1) "I think the answer is clearly yes because we look to Jesus as a model like in those hours preceding his crucifixion this sense of Joy this sense of Peace he's comforting his own disciples right my peace I leave with you my peace my joy I give to you he's the one who's about to be crucified so as a Jesus as the master is so the disciples can be that even if we may be suffering physically we can still have a sense of spiritual well-being and um Joy." [30:08]
2) "Sometimes you may not be experiencing suffering but people around you may especially perhaps as they deal with grief and loss how do we enter into others suffering and pain and a lot of the time I think much of that kind of entering in in terms of suffering is just a suff a presence a Ministry of presence you don't have to say too much you don't have to say too many things but just being present and listening and feeling feeling opening your heart to feeling the burdens and the weight of the things that other people are going through." [32:06]
3) "Marriage is not so much about our happiness as it is about our Holiness... as two broken people who are human beings come together in marriage there are going to be times when there are differences there going to be times when one person's Brokenness and sinfulness and sinful Tendencies will hurt the other person and vice versa and that's part of marriage and that's not necessarily a bad thing because maybe part of what God is wanting to do is not just make you happy but make you holy." [28:07]
4) "Glory for John is the cross and the cross is glory and it's quite apparent like one of the uh we call in John chapter 17 well this section we call it the farewell discourse and part of this discourse this speech that Jesus has in this Garden as he's praying to God in chapter 17 he says now father glorify me in your presence with the glory that I had with you before the world existed he's praying Jesus is praying glorify me in your own presence he's at that hour where he's about to be crucified." [24:40]
5) "The cross of Jesus the lifting up of Jesus the exaltation of Jesus has to do with him being lifted up on what a cross a cross to suffer and to die so what John is doing with all these themes that are interwoven together in the scriptures from Isaiah interwoven together Isaiah 53 Isaiah chapter 6 and this vision of the glory of God that Isaiah sees and then this vision of the servant of Yahweh who suffers and dies for his people John applies all that to Jesus and his ministry." [23:09]
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