Expository Thoughts On John - JOHN 13:31-38
J.C. Ryle explains how Jesus' impending crucifixion reveals the true glory of God and commands believers to demonstrate their discipleship through love.
In this expository sermon, J.C. Ryle explores Jesus' final discourse with His disciples before the crucifixion, revealing the profound glory found in Christ's sacrifice. Ryle highlights the new commandment of love as the hallmark of true discipleship and examines Peter’s human frailty as a lesson for all believers. This sermon offers deep insight into the nature of Christian love, the cost of following Christ, and the ultimate glorification of God through Jesus' passion.
Text
When Judas had gone out, Jesus said, "Now the Son of Man is glorified, and God is glorified in him. If God is glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself, and he will glorify him right away. Children, I am still with you for a little while. You will look for me, and just as I said to the Jewish authorities, ‘Where I am going you cannot come,’ now I tell you the same.
"I give you a new commandment--to love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. Everyone will know by this that you are my disciples--if you have love for one another."
Simon Peter said to him, "Lord, where are you going?" Jesus replied, "Where I am going, you cannot follow me now, but you will follow later." Peter said to him, "Lord, why can’t I follow you now? I will lay down my life for you!" Jesus answered, "Will you lay down your life for me? I tell you the solemn truth, the rooster will not crow until you have denied me three times!
In this passage we find the Lord Jesus at last alone with His eleven faithful disciples. The traitor, Judas Iscariot, had left the room, and gone out to do his wicked deed of darkness. Freed from his painful company, our Lord opens His heart to His little flock more fully than He had ever done before. Speaking to them for the last time before His passion, He begins a discourse which for touching interest surpasses any portion of Scripture.
These verses show us what glory the crucifixion brought both to God the Father and to God the Son. It seems impossible to avoid the conclusion that this was what our Lord had in His mind when He said, "Now is the Son of man glorified, and God is glorified in Him." It is as though He said, "The time of my crucifixion is at hand. My work on earth is finished. An event is about to take place tomorrow, which, however painful to you who love Me, is in reality most glorifying both to Me and My Father."
This was a dark and mysterious saying, and we may well believe that the eleven did not understand it. And no wonder! In all the agony of the death on the cross, in all the ignominy and humiliation which they saw afar off, or heard of next day, in hanging naked for six hours between two thieves--in all this there was no appearance of glory!--On the contrary, it was an event calculated to fill the minds of the Apostles with shame, disappointment, and dismay. And yet our Lord\
Sermon Outline
-
I. The Glory Revealed in the Crucifixion
- Jesus declares the Son of Man and God are glorified
- The crucifixion as the ultimate glorifying event
- The disciples' initial misunderstanding of this glory
-
II. The New Commandment of Love
- Jesus commands love as the mark of true discipleship
- Love modeled after Christ’s own love
- Love as a witness to the world
-
III. The Reality of Discipleship and Denial
- Peter’s desire to follow Jesus
- Jesus’ prediction of Peter’s denial
- The cost and challenges of following Christ
Key Quotes
“Now the Son of Man is glorified, and God is glorified in him.” — J.C. Ryle
“I give you a new commandment--to love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.” — J.C. Ryle
“Will you lay down your life for me? I tell you the solemn truth, the rooster will not crow until you have denied me three times!” — J.C. Ryle
Application Points
- Embrace the sacrificial love of Christ as the model for how to love others.
- Recognize that true discipleship may involve trials and personal denial.
- Let your love for fellow believers serve as a witness to your faith.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Jesus mean by 'Now the Son of Man is glorified'?
Jesus refers to His impending crucifixion, which, though painful and humiliating, ultimately glorifies both Himself and God the Father by accomplishing salvation.
What is the new commandment Jesus gives in this passage?
Jesus commands His disciples to love one another just as He has loved them, making love the defining mark of His followers.
Why did Peter deny Jesus despite his bold claim?
Jesus foretold Peter’s denial to prepare him for the reality of human weakness and the cost of true discipleship.
How does this passage encourage believers today?
It calls believers to recognize the glory in Christ’s sacrifice and to embody His love in their relationships as a testimony to the world.