Today’s Reading: John 12:20-33
Daily Lectionary: 2 Chronicles 33:1-25; Colossians 1:24-2:7

“Now My soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save Me from this hour’? But for this purpose I came to this hour. Father, glorify Your name.” Then a voice came from heaven, saying, “I have both glorified it and will glorify it again.” (John 12:27-28)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Jesus could ask the Father to save Him from the hour of His suffering and death. But then you wouldn’t be saved. No one would. If Jesus is spared suffering and death, you won’t be. Your sins will be yours and the eternal judgment of God upon you will be just.

But Jesus didn’t come to bail on us. He came to go through with it. To walk the lonely road of suffering and death for sinners. For you. For the world. If He goes the way of trial and mockery and thorns and cross and death, then you are saved. His death is your salvation.

But there is more. “Father, glorify your name.” How is God’s name glorified? Exalted? How is God most God? When He’s saving sinners. When the Father sends His Son for you. When the Son willingly undergoes that suffering and death for you.

But the glory doesn’t end on Good Friday. It’s not snuffed out with the last breath of Jesus. He rises again on the Third Day. Jesus hasn’t just taken care of sin. He’s taken care of death. And by taking care of both of those, He’s taken care of you. Taken away your sins. Given you eternal life.

Your Baptism, the Absolution, the preaching, the Body and Blood–all of these are the glorious gifts of a Savior who has put you above Himself, who has done what needed to be done in order to make you right with your Creator. Jesus accomplished it. He didn’t shy away from it or run. He faced it head-on and now “it is finished.” Your salvation is a done deal. God has glorified His name when He put it upon you and called you His dear child. In the Name of Jesus. Amen.

Merciful God, Your Son, Jesus Christ, was lifted high upon the cross that He might bear the sins of the world and draw all people to Himself. Grant that we who glory in His death for our redemption may faithfully heed His call to bear the cross and follow Him, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. (Collect for Holy Cross Day)