Theology Of The Cross And Glory: A Hermeneutic Approach To The Meaning Of Jesus' Suffering

Abstract

This article examines in depth the meaning of Jesus' suffering in the light of the theology of the cross and glory using a theological hermeneutic approach. In the tradition of the Christian faith, the cross is not only a symbol of suffering, but also the highest manifestation of God's paradoxical love and glory. Through an analysis of key New Testament texts, especially the Gospel of John, Paul's letters, and the Christological hymn in Philippians 2:5–11, this study seeks to understand how Jesus' suffering did not end in humiliation, but instead became a path to divine glory. The hermeneutic approach used in this article aims to connect textual and contextual meanings, so that the message of the cross can be re-read in a relevant way for today's life of faith. The main findings show that Jesus' suffering on the cross was an event of God's revelation not just a human tragedy, but the culmination of the revelation of love that redeemed the world. On the cross, the glory of God is not seen in conquering power, but in self-sacrificing love. This paradox affirms the essence of Christian theology: that true life and true glory are born of self-denial and solidarity with human suffering. Thus, the theology of the cross is not a theology of defeat, but a theology of hope, in which suffering becomes the path to transformation and glory. The results of these reflections make an important contribution to the understanding of the contemporary Christian faith, especially in the face of the realities of suffering, injustice, and humanitarian crises. The theology of the cross and glory invites believers to read suffering not as a sign of God's absence, but as a space of His presence that saves and glorifies.