THE FULL REVELATION OF DIVINE GLORY
(Ex 13:20–22; Ex 33–34; 1 Kgs 8:10–11; Jn 1:14–18; Jn 2:11; Jn 11:4; Mt 17:1–13; Jn 17:22; 1 Jn 3:2)
Biblical Identity and Primary References
Jesus Christ, whose name means “The LORD saves” (Mt 1:21), is the eternal Son of God made flesh. He is the visible manifestation of the invisible God (Col 1:15). In the Old Testament, God’s glory was revealed through signs such as the cloud, fire, and radiant presence. In the New Testament, this same divine glory is revealed fully and personally in Jesus Christ. “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory” (Jn 1:14). Jesus does not merely reflect God’s glory—He embodies it.
Historical and Cultural Background
In Jewish thought, the glory of God was associated with His dwelling presence among His people. Rabbinic tradition later used the term Shekinah—meaning “dwelling”—to describe this divine nearness. Though the term itself is not biblical, the concept is rooted in Scripture. God’s glory appeared as a pillar of cloud and fire during the Exodus (Ex 13:21–22), filled the Tabernacle (Ex 40:34), and later filled Solomon’s Temple (1 Kgs 8:10–11). This visible glory did not reveal God’s essence but signified His holy presence. The Jewish people understood that no one could see God’s face and live (Ex 33:20). This background makes the Incarnation revolutionary: in Jesus, God’s glory becomes visible, personal, and accessible.
Detailed Biblical Biography
Jesus reveals God’s glory not through dazzling displays of power alone but through love, humility, obedience, and sacrifice. From His birth, the angels proclaimed divine glory (Lk 2:14). At Cana, Jesus performed His first sign, and “revealed his glory, and his disciples believed in him” (Jn 2:11). His miracles—healings, exorcisms, feeding multitudes, raising the dead—were not merely acts of compassion but revelations of divine majesty.
At the Transfiguration, Peter, James, and John glimpsed His hidden glory as His face shone and His garments became dazzling white (Mt 17:1–13). Moses and Elijah appeared, showing that Jesus is the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets.
Jesus taught that His greatest glorification would come through suffering: “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified” (Jn 12:23). On the Cross, divine glory is paradoxically revealed through self-giving love. In His resurrection, the Father glorifies the Son fully, conquering death and revealing eternal life.
References in Other Parts of the Bible
Isaiah foresaw a time when “the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together” (Isa 40:5). Paul identifies Christ as “the Lord of glory” (1 Cor 2:8). Hebrews proclaims Him as “the reflection of God’s glory” (Heb 1:3). Revelation depicts the risen Christ shining in radiant splendor (Rev 1:12–16). These references confirm that Jesus is not simply associated with divine glory—He is its definitive revelation.
Jewish Tradition and Understanding
In Jewish expectation, God’s glory would return to Zion at the time of redemption (Ezek 43:1–5). Many believed the Shekinah had departed after the destruction of the Temple. The Gospel of John proclaims that God’s glory has returned—not to a building, but in a Person. “He dwelt among us” (Jn 1:14) literally means “He tabernacled among us.” This would have been a shocking but powerful claim to Jewish listeners.
Catholic Interpretation and Teaching
The Catholic Church teaches that Jesus Christ is the definitive revelation of the Father (CCC 65). In Him, God’s glory is no longer hidden behind clouds or veils but revealed through a human face. The Transfiguration is celebrated liturgically as a foretaste of heavenly glory. The Cross itself becomes the throne of divine glory, showing that God’s power is perfected in love (CCC 599–618). The saints participate in Christ’s glory through grace (CCC 1023–1029).
Connection to Salvation History
God’s glory moved from cloud, to tent, to temple—and finally to a human body. Jesus is the living Temple (Jn 2:21). In Him, God dwells among humanity permanently. His glory is no longer distant but relational. Through Christ, believers are destined to share in divine glory (Rom 8:17).
Typology and New Testament Fulfillment
The glory cloud of Exodus, the radiant face of Moses, and the filled Temple all prefigure Christ. Where Moses saw only God’s back, Christians behold God face-to-face in Jesus (Jn 14:9). The Transfiguration prefigures the Resurrection and the glorification of believers.
What Makes This Person Unique
Jesus alone reveals God’s glory in human form. No prophet, king, or priest ever embodied divine glory. Jesus does not merely show the way to glory—He is the glory of God among us.
Strengths and Virtues
Jesus reveals divine glory through humility, obedience, love, mercy, patience, and sacrifice. He shows that true glory is not domination but self-giving love.
Weaknesses, Failures, or Sins
Jesus is without sin (1 Pet 2:22). Yet He accepted humiliation, suffering, and rejection—transforming what the world calls shame into divine glory.
Lessons for Christian Leadership and Witnessing
True Christian leadership reflects Christ’s glory through service, not self-promotion. Believers glorify God by loving others, bearing suffering faithfully, and living in holiness.
Reflection
The glory of Jesus teaches us that God’s majesty is not distant or terrifying but personal and loving. In Christ, divine glory walks among the poor, touches the sick, forgives sinners, and dies for humanity. This glory invites us not merely to admire it but to be transformed by it. As baptized believers, we are called to reflect this glory in our daily lives through love, humility, and faithfulness.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, you are the radiance of the Father’s glory and the light of the world. Let your glory shine in our hearts and transform our lives. Teach us to glorify God not by seeking honor but by loving as you loved. May our words, actions, and sacrifices reflect your divine presence, so that others may see your light and give glory to the Father. Amen.