John 13:31

Followeth, to v. 36. the third part of the Chapter, containing Christs sweet doctine to his disciples upon Judas removal; wherein he speaks comfortably concerning Judas errand, and doth direct his disciples concerning their carriage. It contains three points of doctrine, In the first whereof (in this verse) he points out how he looked upon what was to come upon him by Judas treachery; Namely, that he was to be glorified in and after his sufferings, and God to be glorified in him. Concerning this doctrine we may compare what is said, on ch. 12.23. Here we may Learn, 1. Albeit hypocrites cannot pollute an Ordinance of God to any but themselves; yet they are oft-times, such a burden and impediment to the societies of Gods people, as the company will fare the better, when they are out of it; Therefore, Christ who was speaking sad things while Judas was with them, and weighted and troubled, v. 21. now, when he is gone out, his minde is elevate, and he speaks comfortably and familiarly to the rest. 2. As there is no condition so hard, but a childe of God, through him, will get through it, Phil. 4.13. And as there is no humbling pressure under their lot, but they may expect a blenk of comfort and ease after it: So oft-times, the Lord makes their sad lots easiest, when they are nearest to come upon them, by his giving at that time the spirit of that employment; for, Christ who before was troubled, v. 21. now when Judas goeth out to act his mischievous treachery, is elevated in minde and comforted. See Heb. 3.16. And by this his comfort and rejoycing at this time, he learns us how to rejoyce when our dissolution is near, though we were to go through a red sea of blood and suffering unto that promised land. 3. Such as would rightly bear a crosse, ought to take a look of their condition, quite contrary to the verdict of sens;e and reason; for, so doth Christ look on his sufferings, as a glorifying of him, both in themselves, and in the effects thereof, which is a point flesh and blood would never reveal. 4. How ignominious soever Christs sufferings were in themselves; yet they were not only the way to his glory, ch. 17.5. Luke 24.26. 1 Pet. 1.11. and the fruits thereof glorious; and such as exalted him in the world; But they were also glorious in themselves, and he glorified therby; in respect of his obedience to his Father, even to the death; his love that shined therein; the testimony of innocency he received from enemies; the glorious miracles in the time of his sufferings; and, in respect that hereby he redeemed his elect, trampled upon, and spoiled Satan, and triumphed over sinne, and blotted out the handwriting of Ordinances against us. For, saith he, the Sonne of man is glorified, and that, now, not only certainly, but instantly. And if he counted seeming ignominy to be his glory, in respect of the service done thereby to people; how much more should we account that our glory which may honour him. 5. Such as are truly zealous of Gods honour, will count no condition honourable, unlesse God be glorified thereby, and where he gets honour a very ignominious condition will be honourable in their eyes; for this, glorifies the Sonne, that God is glorified in him. 6. As Christ was glorified by his own sufferings; so also the Father was glorified in him; Not only in that he, being in the Sonne, all the glory of the Sonne is his also; but that Christ in suffering, did glorifie him, in giving obedience to his will; The truth of his threatnings, and his justice did shine in what he inflicted on his Son, and his wisdom and goodnesse did shine in the redemption of lost man by such a mean; for, saith he, and God is glorified in him. And albeit none can so glorifie God in suffering as Christ did; yet through him, he takes glory to himself in the sufferings of his servants, as they are a testimony to his truth, and a commendation of his excellency, that they will not love their lives unto the death for his sake. See c. 21.19.