John’s Paradox: Jesus Glorified, Exalted on the Cross Church In Toronto Sermon Audio

In John’s Gospel, the crucifixion paradoxically symbolizes Jesus’ glorification. The cross is a means of exalting Jesus, despite being an instrument of capital punishment; that claim is akin to someone ‘enthroned’ on an electric chair. John’s distinctive concept of glory provides the key to unlocking this enigma; glory is not a deity’s visible splendor but a profound manifestation of God’s character. That’s why John differs from the Synoptic Gospels, omitting the transfiguration and apocalyptic prophecies. Instead, John emphasizes the cross as the ultimate revelation of God’s boundless love for humanity. This revelation glorifies God the Father and exalts Jesus, God’s Son. Can we become a ‘Johannine Church’? Embracing John’s view means valuing insights into God’s nature over sensational heavenly visions, and abiding in Christ rather than obsessing over global events and end-time prophecies. John encourages us to see beyond the agony and shame of Christ’s Passion, grasping its profound unveiling of divine love. Thus, we experience the transformative power of God’s love in our daily lives and gain a fresh perspective on Christ’s crucifixion.