Priesthood: Does God Become Jealous of His Children?

This lecture discusses a common objection raised by some against priesthood, namely the belief that honoring priests or saints takes away from God’s glory. His Holiness Pope Shenouda III explains that this idea is incorrect, because God does not become jealous of His children, but rather rejoices in glorifying them and making them great.

Is Human Glory Against God’s Glory?

His Holiness clarifies that God’s divine glory is unlimited and absolute and cannot be diminished or taken away. The glory that God grants to His children is a gift from His grace and does not compete with His divine glory. God is the source of glory, and what humans receive is merely a reflection of His light within them.

Biblical Evidence of God Glorifying His Children

His Holiness presents many examples from the Holy Bible that confirm God glorifies His creation:

• The greatness of John the Baptist before the Lord.

• The glorification of the Canaanite woman’s faith.

• God’s promise to Abraham to make him a great nation.

• God’s defense and exaltation of Moses before the people.

• The Scripture stating that those whom God justified, He also glorified.

The Difference Between God’s Glory and Human Glory

His Holiness compares the difference between God’s glory and human glory to the sun and the moon:
God is like the sun, shining by Himself, while humans shine by reflecting God’s light. Yet both are called “the two great lights,” showing that granted greatness does not cancel the greatness of the source.

God’s Glorification in Priesthood

He explains that God Himself gave priesthood its honor, adorned the priests, and granted them titles, service, and spiritual glory—not because they are gods, but because they are His servants. The priest before the people is a teacher and shepherd, but before God he is a disciple and a sheep of the flock.

Spiritual Conclusion

God does not become jealous of His children because He is perfect in glory and greatness. He is a loving Father who rejoices when His children are glorified, whether on earth or in eternity. Human glorification does not diminish God’s glory, but rather proclaims His goodness, love, and power working in His creation.

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