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John 12:28
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Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Father, glorify thy name - By the name of God is to be understood himself, in all his attributes: his wisdom, truth, mercy, justice, holiness, etc., which were all more abundantly glorified by Christ's death and resurrection, (i.e. shown forth in their own excellence), than they had ever been before. Christ teaches here a lesson of submission to the Divine will. Do with me what thou wilt, so that glory may redound to thy name. Some MSS. read, Father, glorify my name: others, glorify thy Son. Then came there a voice from heaven, etc. - The following is a literal translation of Calmet's note on this passage, which he has taken from Chrysostom, Theodoret, Theophylact, and others: "I have accomplished my eternal designs on thee. I have sent thee into the world to make an atonement for the sin of the world, and to satisfy my offended justice. I will finish my work. Thou shalt shed thy blood upon the cross. My glory is interested in the consummation of thy sacrifice. But, in procuring my own glory, I shall procure thine. Thy life and thy death glorify me: I have glorified thee by the miracles which have accompanied thy mission; and I will continue to glorify thee at thy death, by unexampled prodigies, and thy resurrection shall be the completion of thy glory and of thy elevation." Christ was glorified: 1. By the prodigies which happened at his death. 2. In his resurrection. 3. In his ascension, and sitting at the right hand of God. 4. In the descent of the Holy Ghost on the apostles. and 5. In the astonishing success with which the Gospel was accompanied, and by which the kingdom of Christ has been established in the world. Co2 2:14.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Father, glorify thy name--by a present testimony. I have both glorified it--referring specially to the voice from heaven at His baptism, and again at His transfiguration. and will glorify it again--that is, in the yet future scenes of His still deeper necessity; although this promise was a present and sublime testimony, which would irradiate the clouded spirit of the Son of man.
John Gill Bible Commentary
The people therefore that stood by and heard it,.... Some more confusedly, who were farthest off; others more distinctly, who were nearer: the first of these, said that it thundered; as it used to do when "Bath Kol" was heard, which, as the Jews say (a), "is a voice that comes out of heaven proceeding from the midst of another voice,'' as thunder; wherefore some took this for thunder, and others for the voice of an angel out of the thunder: others said, an angel spoke to him; these being nearer, perceived it was an articulate voice, which expressed certain distinct words, which they thought were delivered by an angel; for the Jews had a mighty notion of the discourse and conversation of angels with men, which their doctors pretended to understand; particularly R. Jochanan ben Zaccai, a Rabbi, who was living at this time, had learned their speech, and was well versed in it (b). (a) Piske Tosephot in T. Bab. Sanhedrin, art. 30. (b) T. Bab. Succa, fol. 28. 1. & Bava Bathra, fol. 134. 1.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
12:28 a voice spoke from heaven: Cp. Matt 3:17; 17:5; Mark 1:11; 9:7; Luke 3:22; 9:35. • God had already brought glory to himself when Christ entered the world (John 1:14) and through Jesus’ work, which showed God’s power to the world. • I will do so again: The final display of glory would come at the cross (see 12:23; 17:1). In John, the cross is an event of glory as Christ was “lifted up” (12:32) and glorified there. Jesus was prepared for crucifixion like a king coming to his coronation; the cross was like a throne (see 19:19-22), and he was buried like royalty. Jesus’ time of glorification included the entire sequence from arrest through resurrection.
John 12:28
Jesus Predicts His Death
27Now My soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save Me from this hour’? No, it is for this purpose that I have come to this hour. 28Father, glorify Your name!” Then a voice came from heaven: “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.”
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
A Golden Prayer
By C.H. Spurgeon6.8K53:14ISA 42:8MAT 6:33JHN 12:13JHN 12:28ROM 8:28PHP 2:141PE 5:7The sermon transcript discusses the inner conflicts and troubles of Jesus Christ. It emphasizes the complexity of Jesus' person and the need to approach the topic with caution and reverence. The sermon also highlights the notable miracle of Lazarus' resurrection and the popularity Jesus gained as a result. The transcript concludes with a call to glorify God's name in the past, present, and future.
The Joy of Service
By J.R. Miller0Joy in ServiceChristian DutyNEH 8:10JHN 12:28PHP 4:4J.R. Miller emphasizes the profound joy found in serving others, asserting that true happiness stems from a life dedicated to service and love. He explains that while many seek joy in various pursuits, the ultimate source of joy is in selfless acts of service, reflecting the character of Christ, who exemplified this through His life and sacrifice. Miller encourages Christians to embrace their duty to rejoice and to actively engage in serving others, as this not only uplifts the spirit but also glorifies God. He warns against the dangers of idleness and self-centeredness, which can lead to despair, and highlights the importance of maintaining a joyful disposition as a testament to one's faith. Ultimately, he calls for a life that mirrors Christ's love and service, promising that such a life will yield the deepest and most abiding joy.
2 Peter 1:17
By John Gill0Divine GloryThe Transfiguration of ChristEXO 40:35MAT 17:5JHN 12:282PE 1:17John Gill expounds on 2 Peter 1:17, emphasizing that Jesus received honor and glory from God the Father, not as an inferior but as the equal in glory. He explains that this honor was declarative, with God testifying to Jesus' divine nature during the Transfiguration, where a voice from the bright cloud affirmed Jesus as His beloved Son. Gill contrasts this event with other divine proclamations, highlighting its unique significance and the presence of God's glory. The sermon illustrates the profound relationship between the Father and the Son, affirming Jesus' divine authority and the importance of recognizing His glory.
Father, Glorify Thy Name!
By C.H. Spurgeon0The AtonementGlorifying GodISA 53:5JHN 12:28ROM 3:26EPH 1:6PHP 2:9COL 1:20HEB 9:221PE 2:241JN 4:9REV 5:12C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes that Christ's ultimate purpose in His death was not merely to save humanity, but to glorify the Father’s name. He illustrates how Jesus' sacrifice showcases God's attributes of justice, wisdom, and love, all perfectly displayed in the atonement. Spurgeon highlights that the glory of God is the chief end of Christ's mission, and that each divine attribute shines without overshadowing the others. The sermon reflects on the profound significance of Christ's resolve to fulfill His purpose, even amidst inner turmoil, to ensure that God's name is exalted. Ultimately, Spurgeon calls believers to recognize and appreciate the multifaceted glory of God revealed through Christ's sacrifice.
How Do We Listen?
By A.W. Tozer0Spiritual AwarenessHearing God's VoiceJHN 12:28A.W. Tozer emphasizes the various ways God has spoken to humanity, yet many fail to recognize His voice, often dismissing it as mere noise or misunderstanding. He reflects on the biblical account where Jesus speaks of His impending death, and the crowd misinterprets God's audible response, preferring their own reasoning over divine revelation. Tozer warns that despite the tendency to ignore God's call, a day will come when all will acknowledge Jesus Christ as Lord. The sermon challenges listeners to truly listen for God's voice amidst their distractions and misconceptions.
Made Nigh
By H.J. Vine0JHN 12:2JHN 12:281CO 15:20EPH 2:13COL 3:1H.J. Vine preaches about the special nearness enjoyed by Lazarus to Jesus, highlighting the royal honor bestowed upon Jesus at Bethany, where Lazarus sat at the table with Him, expressing appreciation and rejoicing in the nearness to the Son of God. Through biblical examples like Joseph and Mephibosheth, the sermon emphasizes how believers are made nigh to God by the blood of Christ, brought from death to life, and granted access to the Father as sons of God by faith in Christ Jesus. The sermon concludes with the anticipation of being with Jesus in glory in His Father's house, where believers will enjoy eternal nearness and liberty with the Lord.
John 12:27-33. the Father Answers His Son From Heaven.
By Favell Lee Mortimer0JHN 12:28JHN 12:311CO 1:18REV 7:14Favell Lee Mortimer reflects on the profound moment when the Father and the Son communicated in the presence of men, highlighting the unique bond between them and the courage and love displayed by Jesus in His prayer to glorify the Father's name despite knowing the suffering that awaited Him. Mortimer challenges believers to emulate this prayer of surrender and obedience, even in the face of great trials and suffering, emphasizing that the doctrine of the cross is the ultimate means of conversion from sin to God. The Son's sacrificial love on the cross continues to draw countless souls to God, bringing glory to the Father and inspiring eternal praise.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Father, glorify thy name - By the name of God is to be understood himself, in all his attributes: his wisdom, truth, mercy, justice, holiness, etc., which were all more abundantly glorified by Christ's death and resurrection, (i.e. shown forth in their own excellence), than they had ever been before. Christ teaches here a lesson of submission to the Divine will. Do with me what thou wilt, so that glory may redound to thy name. Some MSS. read, Father, glorify my name: others, glorify thy Son. Then came there a voice from heaven, etc. - The following is a literal translation of Calmet's note on this passage, which he has taken from Chrysostom, Theodoret, Theophylact, and others: "I have accomplished my eternal designs on thee. I have sent thee into the world to make an atonement for the sin of the world, and to satisfy my offended justice. I will finish my work. Thou shalt shed thy blood upon the cross. My glory is interested in the consummation of thy sacrifice. But, in procuring my own glory, I shall procure thine. Thy life and thy death glorify me: I have glorified thee by the miracles which have accompanied thy mission; and I will continue to glorify thee at thy death, by unexampled prodigies, and thy resurrection shall be the completion of thy glory and of thy elevation." Christ was glorified: 1. By the prodigies which happened at his death. 2. In his resurrection. 3. In his ascension, and sitting at the right hand of God. 4. In the descent of the Holy Ghost on the apostles. and 5. In the astonishing success with which the Gospel was accompanied, and by which the kingdom of Christ has been established in the world. Co2 2:14.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Father, glorify thy name--by a present testimony. I have both glorified it--referring specially to the voice from heaven at His baptism, and again at His transfiguration. and will glorify it again--that is, in the yet future scenes of His still deeper necessity; although this promise was a present and sublime testimony, which would irradiate the clouded spirit of the Son of man.
John Gill Bible Commentary
The people therefore that stood by and heard it,.... Some more confusedly, who were farthest off; others more distinctly, who were nearer: the first of these, said that it thundered; as it used to do when "Bath Kol" was heard, which, as the Jews say (a), "is a voice that comes out of heaven proceeding from the midst of another voice,'' as thunder; wherefore some took this for thunder, and others for the voice of an angel out of the thunder: others said, an angel spoke to him; these being nearer, perceived it was an articulate voice, which expressed certain distinct words, which they thought were delivered by an angel; for the Jews had a mighty notion of the discourse and conversation of angels with men, which their doctors pretended to understand; particularly R. Jochanan ben Zaccai, a Rabbi, who was living at this time, had learned their speech, and was well versed in it (b). (a) Piske Tosephot in T. Bab. Sanhedrin, art. 30. (b) T. Bab. Succa, fol. 28. 1. & Bava Bathra, fol. 134. 1.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
12:28 a voice spoke from heaven: Cp. Matt 3:17; 17:5; Mark 1:11; 9:7; Luke 3:22; 9:35. • God had already brought glory to himself when Christ entered the world (John 1:14) and through Jesus’ work, which showed God’s power to the world. • I will do so again: The final display of glory would come at the cross (see 12:23; 17:1). In John, the cross is an event of glory as Christ was “lifted up” (12:32) and glorified there. Jesus was prepared for crucifixion like a king coming to his coronation; the cross was like a throne (see 19:19-22), and he was buried like royalty. Jesus’ time of glorification included the entire sequence from arrest through resurrection.