Reading: The Cross of Christ, pg. 200-207
And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.
John 1.14
One must not miss the Old Testament allusions. God’s glory which overshadowed and filled the tabernacle in the wilderness was now displayed in him who “lived for a while” (eskenosen, “tabernacled”) among us. And as Yahweh showed Moses his glory by declaring his name to both merciful and righteous, so the glory we have seen in Jesus Christ was “full of grace and truth.” More important still is the deliberate antithesis between “flesh” and “glory,” and so “the fundamental paradox of the glory of the divine humiliation.”
The self-humiliation of the Son of God, which began in the incarnation, culminated in his death. Yet in that very abasement of himself he was “lifted up,” not just physically raised on to the cross, but spiritually exalted before the eyes of the world. Indeed, he was “glorified.” The cross that appeared to be “shame” was in fact “glory.” | Stott pg. 201
In what ways do you think the cross showed God’s glory?
Lord, your ways are so far above ours. That which we see as shame and sorrow can be made into glory and honor in your sight. Help us to take hold of the promise that the cross gives us, that in our weakness you are strong. May we glory in your cross. Amen