Bible Reading: John 13:21-32
Key verse: John 13:31 “When he (Judas Iscariot) was gone, Jesus said, “Now the Son of Man is glorified and God is glorified in him.”
Judas Iscariot leaves to betray Jesus. This is not a pleasant reality. In fact, from this point on, the “Passion” of Jesus begins with His being betrayed, denied, arrested, tried in court, and sentenced to death on a cross. For Jesus, this moment of betrayal marks the beginning of an intense time of suffering. Yet, notice how Jesus responds immediately after Judas leaves the room. “When he was gone, Jesus said, ‘Now the Son of Man is glorified and God is glorified in him.’” (John 13:31) What glory is there in betrayal? What glory is there in being arrested and sentenced to death on a cross? What glory is there in your disciples forsaking you?
When something terrible happens in your life, it is really hard to see beyond that moment. When we are in the midst of this global pandemic and economic recession, it is hard to imagine the light at the end of the tunnel. Yet Jesus sees all the way past Good Friday to Easter. He will be crucified. Yes, this is true, BUT on the third day He will rise again, and be glorified for all eternity. Through his death and resurrection, many will be saved. Sin and death will be conquered once and for all. Jesus sees beyond the horizon to the glorious Easter that is on its way.
The pain of this pandemic is real, and there is no diminishing the suffering of so many people. Yet, it is not the end of the story. Easter is how the story ends. And God’s healing, redemption, and salvation will conquer all the grief and loss of today. Friends, look to the horizon! Easter is coming soon!
Pastor Kim
