John 12:23 – "And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified."

This verse from the Gospel of John is a pivotal moment in the ministry of Jesus Christ. It signifies a shift in focus towards the impending crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. In the context of the wider narrative, this verse occurs during the final week of Jesus' life, as he prepares to enter Jerusalem for the Passover festival.

The verse begins with the phrase "And Jesus answered them, saying," indicating that Jesus is responding to something that has been said or asked of him. In the preceding verses, some Greek pilgrims had approached Philip, one of Jesus' disciples, expressing their desire to see Jesus. It is in response to this request that Jesus makes the statement in John 12:23.

The phrase "The hour is come" is significant, as it signifies the appointed time for Jesus' crucifixion and subsequent glorification through his resurrection. This concept of "the hour" is a recurring theme in the Gospel of John and is often used to refer to the specific timing of Jesus' ultimate sacrifice for the salvation of humanity. It was a time determined by God for Jesus to fulfill his purpose on earth.

The title "the Son of man" is also noteworthy, as it is a Messianic title used by Jesus to refer to himself. This title comes from the book of Daniel in the Old Testament, where it is associated with a figure who is given authority, glory, and sovereignty over all peoples, nations, and languages. By using this title, Jesus is pointing to his divinely appointed role as the savior and ruler of all.

The phrase "should be glorified" is a reference to the impending crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. In the Gospel of John, the glorification of Jesus is closely linked to his death and resurrection, which will ultimately demonstrate his power over sin and death. This glorification is not just a display of majesty and honor, but also a means of redemption for humanity.

The symbolism in this verse is rich and multifaceted. On one level, it represents the fulfillment of God's plan for salvation, as Jesus prepares to lay down his life for the sake of humanity. It also serves as a reminder of the sacrificial nature of Christ's mission and the importance of his impending death and resurrection in the grand narrative of redemption.

Furthermore, this verse also highlights the themes of obedience and submission to God's will. Throughout his ministry, Jesus consistently emphasized his obedience to the will of the Father, even in the face of great suffering. The impending hour of glorification represents the culmination of this obedience, as Jesus willingly goes to the cross for the sake of humanity.

In conclusion, John 12:23 marks a critical moment in the Gospel of John, as Jesus acknowledges the appointed time for his crucifixion and resurrection. It serves as a reminder of the sacrificial nature of Christ's mission, as well as the themes of obedience and submission to God's will. Ultimately, it points towards the redemptive work of Christ on the cross and the hope of resurrection for all who believe in him.