Glorying God Through Jesus: An Examination

When discussing the act of glorifying God, particularly through Jesus Christ, it is essential to understand the context and the implications within this religious framework. The concept of glorifying God, whether in Jesus or any other form, involves acknowledging God's supremacy and magnifying His attributes and actions. This article explores the biblical basis for glorifying God through Jesus, emphasizing humility and the divine mission.

Understanding the Concept of Glorifying God

The act of glorifying God transcends merely recognizing His greatness; it involves actively making His glory known in all aspects of life. This can be applied to any individual, including Jesus, who is fully divine yet submits to the will of God the Father. The phrase “do not glorify yourself, but glorify God” is a central theme in Christian theology, emphasizing humility and divine reverence.

John 5:30 in the English Standard Version states, 'For I can do nothing on my own. As I hear, I judge, and my judgment is just, because I seek not to please myself but him who sent me.' This passage underscores the importance of doing the will of the Father and not seeking personal glory. Similarly, in John 5:19, Jesus affirms that He can only do what He sees the Father doing, further emphasizing the importance of divine authority and humility.

Biblical Insights: Glorifying God through Jesus

According to Philippians 2:9-11, Jesus is exalted and given the name above every name. At the name of Jesus, every knee shall bow, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father. This passage provides a clear indication of the divine glory associated with Jesus Christ.

1. John 5:30 - By myself I can do nothing: I judge only as I hear and my judgment is just for I seek not to please myself but him who has sent me.
This verse underscores the importance of aligning one's actions and judgments with divine authority.

2. John 5:19 - The Son can do nothing by himself he can do onlywhat he sees the Father doing because whatever the Fatherdoes the Son does also.
Here, Jesus acknowledges that His abilities and actions are a reflection of the Father's will and actions.

3. Hebrews 1:3 - The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being.
This statement emphasizes the close relationship between Jesus and God the Father, indicating that the actions of Jesus reflect God's glory and being.

Philippians 2:9-11 further reinforces the idea of glorifying the Father through Jesus. This passage highlights the exaltation of Jesus and the universal acknowledgment of His divine status. The command to “bow in heaven and on earth and under the earth” and confess Jesus as Lord is a call to recognize and honor the divine glory of Christ.

Scriptural Evidence and Jehovah

The principles of glorifying God, as highlighted in the Bible, extend beyond the individual. It is important to remember that Jehovah, the Father of Jesus Christ, is the primary object of devotion and glorification. Christians are to emulate Jesus in this aspect, as He glorified Jehovah and prayed to Him. An example of this is seen in Jesus' prayer to God the Father in John 17.

In summary, the act of glorifying God through Jesus involves recognizing His humbleness, His submission to His Father, and the divine mission He fulfilled. This is not a personal interpretation or a debate but a scriptural truth that invites contemplation and reverence.