JESUS THE LORD OF GLORY
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: 1 Corinthians 2:6-10
Key Verse: “Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.” — 1 Corinthians 2:8
Supporting Texts: Psalm 24:7-10; Hebrews 1:1-3; John 1:14; Revelation 1:12-16
INTRODUCTION
The title “Lord of Glory” unveils a dimension of Jesus that surpasses earthly understanding. It presents Him as the eternal One clothed with light, majesty, and honour; greater than angels, higher than kings, and more radiant than the heavens. His glory is not borrowed; it is His divine essence shining forth from eternity past. This is the glory He possessed with the Father before the world began and the glory He revealed in His earthly ministry.
Yet, despite this overwhelming divine splendour, the world did not recognise Him. The rulers, the scholars, and the custodians of the law failed to discern the radiance of God manifested in human flesh. Their spiritual blindness culminated in crucifying the very Lord of Glory. But even through that tragedy, His glory was further revealed in the resurrection, ascension, and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
Understanding Jesus as the Lord of Glory strengthens our faith, deepens our worship, and transforms our walk with God. His glory does not only shine in heaven; it shines through the believer. When you behold His glory, you are changed. When you encounter His glory, you rise above darkness. His glory continues to illuminate the lives of those who surrender to Him.
1. JESUS REVEALS THE SPLENDOUR OF GOD’S GLORY
Jesus is the visible expression of the invisible God. His words, works, and presence radiate the beauty and majesty of the Father. To know Jesus is to encounter the very glory of God.
a) The Radiance of God’s Essence (Hebrews 1:3). Jesus is the express image of God’s person, revealing God’s brightness in a form humans could behold. His glory reflects God’s purity, holiness, wisdom, and power.
b) The Manifested Word Made Flesh (John 1:14). When Jesus walked the earth, people saw the glory of God in human form: full of grace and truth. Every miracle and teaching was a revelation of divine splendour.
c) The One Who Dwells in Unapproachable Light (1 Timothy 6:16). Though He came in humility, His true nature remains glorious beyond human comprehension, surrounded by heavenly brilliance and honour.
d) The Heaven-Filled King of Glory (Psalm 24:8-10). He is the King strong and mighty, whose glory fills the heavens and commands angelic reverence continually.
Biblical Example: At the Mount of Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-5), Jesus revealed a glimpse of His divine glory. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became white as light, affirming His identity as the Lord of Glory.
2. THE WORLD FAILED TO RECOGNISE THE LORD OF GLORY
Despite His divine identity, the rulers and people of this world missed the glory standing before them. Spiritual blindness hindered them from seeing God manifested in Christ.
a) Spiritual Ignorance of the Rulers (1 Corinthians 2:8). The leaders lacked revelation knowledge, crucifying the Lord of Glory because they could not perceive who He truly was.
b) Darkness Could Not Comprehend the Light (John 1:5). The light of Christ shone brightly, but the world, blinded by sin, could not understand or receive His brilliance.
c) Hardened Hearts Resist God’s Glory (2 Corinthians 4:4). The god of this world blinds the minds of unbelievers, preventing them from seeing the glorious gospel of Christ.
d) The Glory Veiled by Humanity (Philippians 2:6-8). Though divine, Jesus took the form of a servant. His humility caused many to overlook His heavenly majesty.
Biblical Example: The Pharisees repeatedly rejected Jesus despite undeniable miracles (John 9). Even when a blind man was healed, they refused to acknowledge His divine glory.
3. THE LORD OF GLORY BRINGS TRANSFORMATION TO BELIEVERS
Those who behold the glory of Jesus experience deep spiritual transformation. His glory does not leave a life the same; it renews, purifies, and elevates.
a) We Are Changed Into His Image (2 Corinthians 3:18). As we behold His glory, we are transformed from glory to glory by the Spirit, becoming more like Christ.
b) His Glory Strengthens the Inner Man (Ephesians 3:16). The revelation of His splendour energises believers spiritually, filling them with divine strength.
c) His Glory Brings Revival and Renewal (Habakkuk 3:4). Where the glory of God appears, revival springs forth. His presence breaks stagnation and releases fresh life.
d) His Glory Breaks Yokes and Dispels Darkness (Isaiah 60:1-2). The rising of God’s glory upon a believer causes darkness to flee and oppression to break.
Biblical Example: Moses encountered God’s glory on Mount Sinai, and his face shone so brightly the people could not look at him (Exodus 34:29-30). Even the reflected glory of God transformed him.
4. THE LORD OF GLORY SHALL RETURN IN FULL SPLENDOUR
Jesus will return not as a humble carpenter but as the radiant King of Glory. His second coming will unveil the fullness of His majesty.
a) He Will Come in Power and Great Glory (Matthew 24:30). The entire world will witness His blazing splendour as He returns on the clouds of heaven.
b) The Nations Will Bow Before His Glory (Philippians 2:10-11). Every knee on earth, in heaven, and under the earth will submit to His lordship.
c) His Glory Will Judge the Nations (Revelation 20:11-12). From His glorious throne, He will execute righteous judgment on all humanity.
d) Believers Will Share in His Eternal Glory (Colossians 3:4). When Christ appears, we shall appear with Him in glory, clothed with immortality and honour.
Biblical Example: John saw the glorified Christ in Revelation 1:12-16, shining like the sun, with eyes like fire and voice like rushing waters: a revelation of the glory that will be fully seen at His return.
CONCLUSION
Jesus, the Lord of Glory, stands above all creation in majesty and splendour. His glory reveals the character, power, and beauty of God, calling us into deeper worship, reverence, and devotion. As we behold Him, we are transformed, strengthened, and renewed from the inside out.
This revelation should inspire us to walk in holiness, pursue intimacy with Christ, and boldly reflect His glory to the world. The more we behold Him, the more we shine. His glory in us becomes a testimony that draws others into the kingdom of God.
PRAYER POINTS
1. Lord, open my eyes to behold the fullness of Your glory in every area of my life.
2. Father, let the light of Your glory shine into every dark place in my soul.
3. Lord Jesus, transform me daily as I behold Your glory.
4. O Lord, let every veil blocking my revelation of Christ be torn away.
5. Lord, reveal Your splendour in my life, family, and ministry.
6. Father, strengthen my inner man with might by Your Spirit of glory.
7. Lord, let Your glory break every yoke and remove every burden in my life.
8. Jesus, let Your glory overshadow my weaknesses and bring divine lifting.
9. Lord, prepare me to share in Your eternal glory.
10. Father, let Your glorious presence accompany me everywhere I go.
