How does John 8:28 reveal Jesus' relationship with the Father? Key verse “So Jesus said, ‘When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am He, and that I do nothing of Myself, but speak exactly what the Father has taught Me.’” (John 8:28) A shared identity—“I am He” • By using the divine “I am,” Jesus identifies Himself with the covenant name of God (cf. Exodus 3:14). • The Father’s nature is perfectly mirrored in the Son; no hint of separation or contradiction. • Later Jesus states, “I and the Father are one” (John 10:30), reinforcing the same shared essence disclosed in 8:28. Perfect dependence—“I do nothing of Myself” • Absolute reliance: the Son never acts independently of the Father’s will (John 5:19). • Continuous communion: every deed originates in the Father, flows through the Son, and displays their unity. • Sinless obedience: because He does “nothing” on His own, His works remain pure, righteous, and fully expressive of divine character. Complete obedience—“speak exactly what the Father has taught Me” • Message ownership: the words are the Father’s; the delivery is the Son’s. • Verbal inspiration: Jesus’ statements come straight from the Father, guaranteeing truth without error (John 12:49-50). • Model for disciples: believers are called to the same yielded pattern—speaking what God supplies (1 Peter 4:11). Divine revelation through the cross—“When you have lifted up the Son of Man” • “Lifted up” points to the crucifixion first, exaltation afterward (John 3:14; 12:32-33). • The cross becomes the unveiling moment: humanity recognizes the divine Son and the Father’s rescue plan (Philippians 2:8-9). • Post-resurrection clarity: only after His lifting up do many grasp the depth of the Father-Son relationship (John 20:28). Mutual glorification • The Father glorifies the Son by raising and exalting Him; the Son glorifies the Father by perfect obedience (John 17:1-5). • Their glory is intertwined—neither acts for personal acclaim apart from the other. • Believers glorify God when they affirm this revealed unity and trust the crucified-risen Lord. Takeaway truths • Jesus is fully God, perfectly one with the Father. • Every word and work of Christ flows directly from the Father, assuring absolute reliability. • The cross is not defeat but the supreme demonstration of the Father-Son unity and love. • Confidence in Jesus means confidence in the Father, for the two cannot be separated. |
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