Who Gets the Glory?
Life In His Name
November 2, 2025
Rev. Tim Sharpe
In John 13 Jesus prepares his disciples for the cross by correcting Peter's misunderstanding that he could follow or prevent Jesus' atoning work, showing that only Jesus can accomplish the cross and that through failure and restoration the church is empowered by grace (seen in the Lord's Supper) to serve and glorify him.
Summary
John 13 opens the 'Book of Glory' as Jesus gathers his disciples one last time to correct their assumptions and prepare them for his imminent death. Peter's question and Jesus' response—'you cannot follow me now'—expose Peter's misunderstanding that he could accompany or protect Jesus, when in fact the atoning work of the cross must be done by Jesus alone. Peter's subsequent denial and restoration demonstrate that Christ does not abandon repentant failure but transforms it into faithful gospel ministry, and the Lord's Supper is presented as the Lord's meal that connects and strengthens believers for that work. The passage emphasizes that Jesus is glorified through work only he empowers and that grace precedes and enables obedient service.
Key Points
- John 13, the start of the 'Book of Glory,' is Jesus' final preparation of the disciples for the cross.
- Peter asks where Jesus is going; Jesus replies 'you cannot follow me now,' correcting Peter's assumptions.
- Peter (like Jewish leaders) misunderstood Jesus' mission; the atoning work on the cross is something only Jesus can accomplish.
- If Peter had tried to stop Jesus, he would have thwarted salvation; Jesus must go to be glorified.
- Peter denies Jesus but is not abandoned; his failure and restoration equip him to offer genuine gospel hope and ministry.
- Jesus is glorified in the church through work that he alone empowers, not by human strength.
- The Lord's Supper belongs to Jesus and is a means of grace that connects and strengthens believers for his work; participation is an invitation to be formed and sent.
- God gives grace first—grace precedes obedience—and strengthens us to serve and love him.
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