What does Jesus mean by "When you have lifted up the Son of Man" in John 8:28? Immediate Literary Context John 8 records an escalating confrontation between Jesus and the Jerusalem leadership during the Feast of Tabernacles. After declaring, “I am the light of the world” (8:12), Jesus is challenged on His authority. Verse 28 forms part of His answer: “When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am He and that I do nothing on My own, but speak exactly what the Father has taught Me” (John 8:28). The phrase “lifted up” (Greek ὑψώσητε, hupsōsēte) becomes the pivot of the entire discussion. Old Testament Prototype: The Bronze Serpent “Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up” (John 3:14-15; cf. Numbers 21:8-9). Israel’s healing came by looking in faith at a bronze figure of the judgment that was killing them; Jesus applies the type to Himself. He will become sin for us (2 Corinthians 5:21) and, when “lifted up,” will be the saving object of faith for all bitten by sin’s curse. Messianic Title: “Son of Man” Daniel 7:13-14 presents the Son of Man receiving everlasting dominion. Jesus claims that title repeatedly in John, identifying Himself as the pre-existent, divine-human ruler. By joining “Son of Man” to “lifted up,” He unveils that the path to enthronement runs through crucifixion. Purpose Clause: “Then You Will Know That I AM” “I am He” (ἐγώ εἰμι) echoes the divine name (Exodus 3:14 LXX). The leaders will unwittingly mount the very proof of His deity. The resurrection, inseparably attached to the cross, will vindicate His claim; enemies will be forced to recognize the fulfillment of prophecy (Acts 2:23-36). Prophetic Shadowing in Isaiah Isa 52:13: “My Servant will prosper; He will be raised and lifted up and highly exalted.” The Servant Songs (Isaiah 52:13-53:12) predict a suffering, pierced, yet ultimately triumphant Redeemer. Dead Sea Scrolls (1QIsᵃ, dated c. 125 BC) contain the entire passage virtually identical to the Masoretic Text, demonstrating textual stability centuries before Christ and nullifying skeptical late-dating theories. Historical Verification of Crucifixion • The ossuary of Caiaphas (discovered 1990) confirms the priestly family named in the Gospels (John 18:13). • The heel bone of Yohanan (Giv‘at ha-Mivtar, 1968) with an iron spike still embedded offers direct archaeological evidence of first-century Jewish crucifixion. • Tacitus (Annals 15.44), Josephus (Ant. 18.63-64), and the Babylonian Talmud (Sanhedrin 43a) all attest to Jesus’ execution under Pontius Pilate. The convergence of independent sources corroborates John’s narrative that Jesus was publicly “lifted up.” Resurrection and Exaltation Implicit John later clarifies: “When I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw all men to Myself.” He said this “to indicate the kind of death He was going to die” (12:32-33). Yet the same Gospel proclaims, “The tomb was empty” (20:1-8). Over 500 eyewitnesses named in 1 Corinthians 15:6, the early creed embedded in verses 3-5 (dated within five years of the event), and the radical transformation of skeptics like Saul of Tarsus supply historical ballast to the claim that the crucified One now lives—thus fully “lifted up” in glory (Acts 2:32-33). Practical and Evangelistic Application 1. Certainty: Because the cross and resurrection are historically anchored, assurance rests on fact, not wishful thinking. 2. Urgency: Rejection of the lifted-up Son leaves one under self-inflicted judgment (John 3:18). 3. Worship: The paradox of a crucified yet exalted King calls forth awe and gratitude (Revelation 5:9-12). 4. Mission: As Christ now draws humanity through His exaltation, believers participate by proclaiming His finished work (2 Corinthians 5:20). Summary “Lifted up the Son of Man” in John 8:28 foretells Jesus’ crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension in a single phrase. It fulfills Mosaic typology, Isaiah’s Servant prophecy, and Daniel’s Son-of-Man vision, while furnishing the decisive evidence of His deity and the sole means of human salvation. |
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