There is no Person more dear, no name so sweet, no theme so affecting as that of our glorious “Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father” 2Jn.3. His glory is vast beyond our understanding, the effulgence of inner and inherent excellence that pertains singularly to Him as the coequal, coeternal Son of God. The writer of the Epistle to the Hebrews describes this unique Person as “the brightness of His glory, and the express image of His person …” Heb.1.3. His is “the glory as of the only begotten of the Father …” Jn.1.14.

This book considers the various references to His glory in the Gospel according to John. It is not surprising that the word translated “glory” in Jn.1.14 (doxa – Strong’s No. 1391) is found nineteen times in this Gospel, although it is sometimes translated as “honour” or “praise”. The writer never refers to himself by name but on five occasions he describes himself as the “disciple whom Jesus loved” Jn.13.23; 19.26; 20.2; 21.7,20. Such love, devotion and proximity to Christ had enabled him to appreciate more fully the glory of the One Who was in their midst. It was not merely theoretical glory, but John witnessed it: “we beheld His glory …” Jn.1.14. What a display of Christ’s glory was observed by John on the Mount of Transfiguration, yet he makes no reference to it in his Gospel! Before such glory human greatness shrivels and John can never draw attention to himself. A similar sentiment was expressed by another John, commonly known as John Baptist, and recorded in John’s Gospel: “He must increase, but I must decrease” Jn.3.30. The glory of the Lord Jesus has never been tarnished and His radiance has not dimmed; it is not partial but full- orbed glory.

How amazing then, that instead of being characterised by self- seeking, which is so typical of sinful and puny humanity, He veiled His Godhead glory and as the lowly Servant stooped to a life of willing and devoted service to His Father here among the sons of men! He “made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men” Phil.2.7. John’s description of the cross is particularly personal and poignant as he was an eye-witness of the Saviour’s sufferings: “And he that saw it bare record, and his record is true …” Jn.19.35. John “wrote these things: and we know that his testimony is true. And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen” Jn.21.24,25. Just before He ended His prayer to the Father, the Lord Jesus expressed that great climactic desire: “Father, I will that they also, whom Thou hast given Me, be with Me where I am; that they may behold My glory …” Jn.17.24.

We express gratitude to all the authors who have sacrificially given of their time to make the publication of another ‘Glory’ book possible, a volume that we can commend, without reservation, to a wide readership, prayerfully desiring that we will appreciate more the glorious Person of Christ and have loftier thoughts of Him Whom “God also hath highly exalted … and given … a name which is above every name” Phil.2.9.Glory, Lord, is Thine for ever,Ever Thine – Thou art the Son!Great the glory Thou art given,Great the glory Thou hast won;Great the glory and the splendourOf the holy, heavenly place;Greater far the Godhead gloryShining, Saviour, in Thy face!   (E. Williams)

Roy Reynolds, N. Ireland, February 2025