THE GLORY OF JESUS
MANIFESTATION OF GOD’S PRESENCE
The glory of the Lord represents a profound manifestation of God’s presence. Jewish rabbis use the term Shekinah, meaning “that which dwells,” to describe this divine presence, though it is not explicitly mentioned in the Bible. This glory was first revealed when the Israelites left Succoth during their exodus from Egypt. God’s presence was manifested as a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night (Ex 13:20-22). This divine glory later filled the Tabernacle: “Then the cloud covered the Tent of Meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the Tabernacle” (Ex 40:34). This manifestation of God’s glory continued in the Temple of Jerusalem (1 Kgs 8:10-11).
Witnessing God’s glory does not equate to seeing God’s face as we see another person. When Moses entered the Tent of Meeting, the pillar of cloud would descend and remain at the entrance while the Lord spoke with him (Ex 33:9). Although Exodus 33:11 mentions Moses speaking with God “face to face,” it refers to a unique form of communication. Moses saw not God’s face but a column of cloud (Ex 33:20; 34:5). The Israelites also witnessed this visible manifestation of God’s presence and worshiped (Ex 33:10).
Moses requested to see God’s glory, but God responded, “You cannot see my face, for no one can see me and live” (Ex 33:20). Instead, God allowed Moses to see His back (Ex 33:23). This underscores the transcendent nature of God’s glory and the limitations of human perception. Jesus later affirmed, “No one has ever seen God; the only Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, he has made him known” (Jn 1:18).
THE GLORY OF GOD IN JESUS CHRIST
In the New Testament, the glory of God is revealed through Jesus Christ. John’s Gospel states, “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth” (Jn 1:14). Jesus, the incarnate Son of God, is the ultimate manifestation of God’s glory.
Miracles as Manifestations of Glory
Jesus’ miracles were signs of His divine glory and power. The turning of water into wine at the wedding in Cana was the first miracle that manifested His glory, leading His disciples to believe in Him (Jn 2:11). Before raising Lazarus from the dead, Jesus declared, “This illness will not end in death; rather it is for God’s glory, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it” (Jn 11:4). Jesus also shared His glory with His disciples, empowering them to continue His work (Jn 17:22).
During the Transfiguration, Peter, James, and John witnessed a glimpse of Jesus’ divine glory, which left them in awe (Mt 17:1-13). This event underscored Jesus’ true nature and His mission to reveal the Father’s glory.
The Bible promises that Jesus will return in full glory. The apostle John writes, “Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is” (1 Jn 3:2). At that time, believers will behold the full glory of Christ and share in His glory.
REFLECTION
As followers of Christ, we are called to reflect God’s glory in our lives. Jesus instructed His disciples, “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Mt 5:16). Our virtuous deeds and Christ-like character should point others to the glory of God.
We are encouraged to continually seek the glory of God in our lives, as Paul exhorts, “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Cor 10:31). By living for God’s glory, we participate in the ongoing revelation of His majesty and honor His name.
Let us be inspired by the glory of Christ and strive to live in a manner that brings glory to our heavenly Father. May our lives reflect the transformative power of the gospel and be a testimony to the glory of God revealed in Jesus Christ. By embodying the light of Christ in our daily actions, we can bring hope, love, and peace to those around us, glorifying our heavenly Father in all we do.