John 12:28-29

More than deliverance from the hour of the Cross Jesus wanted God’s glory (cf. John 7:18; John 8:29; John 8:50; Matthew 26:39).

"The whole of his life’s dedication is concentrated in this statement." [Note: Tenney, "John," p. 130.]

"In the hour of suffering and surrender, there are only two prayers we can pray, either ’Father, save me!’ or ’Father, glorify Thy name!’" [Note: Wiersbe, 1:342.]

The Father answered Jesus’ petition from heaven audibly. The Gospels record three instances of God doing this. The other two were at Jesus’ baptism (Matthew 3:17; Mark 1:11; Luke 3:21-22) and transfiguration (Matthew 17:5; Mark 9:7; Luke 9:35). The Synoptics record those events, and only John recorded this one. In all cases the purpose of the voice was to authenticate Jesus as God’s Son in a dramatic way. However it was a veiled revelation, as were all of God’s revelations about Jesus. The people present could not understand the words clearly, though Jesus could (cf. Acts 9:7; Acts 22:9). God had already glorified Himself through the Incarnation and Jesus’ ministry. He would glorify Himself through Jesus’ death, resurrection, and ascension.