What is the meaning of John 8:28? So Jesus said Jesus has been teaching in the temple courts (John 8:20), confronting religious leaders who doubt His origin and authority. He has already warned, “For unless you believe that I am He, you will die in your sins” (John 8:24). Now, still addressing the same crowd, He draws their attention forward to a moment that will settle the question of who He is. When you have lifted up the Son of Man • “Lifted up” looks first to the cross. Just as Moses lifted the bronze serpent so the Israelites might look and live (John 3:14-15), Jesus will be physically lifted on the cross, bearing sin (Isaiah 53:5). • The phrase also anticipates His resurrection and exaltation (John 12:32-33). What seems like defeat will prove to be the very means by which salvation is accomplished and Christ is glorified. • By calling Himself “the Son of Man,” Jesus ties this event to the Messianic figure of Daniel 7:13-14, the One given everlasting dominion. Then you will know that I am He • At the cross and empty tomb, the identity of Jesus becomes undeniable. The centurion confesses, “Truly this was the Son of God!” (Matthew 27:54). The resurrection leaves the apostles declaring, “God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ” (Acts 2:36). • “I am He” echoes the divine name (Exodus 3:14) and reinforces earlier claims (John 8:24, John 18:6). The revelation comes not through philosophical debate but through the historical fact of His crucifixion and resurrection. I do nothing on My own • Repeatedly Jesus affirms His perfect submission: “The Son can do nothing by Himself” (John 5:19) and “I do not seek My own will” (John 5:30). • This underscores His sinlessness (Hebrews 4:15) and His role as the obedient Servant (Isaiah 42:1). Every miracle, teaching, and decision lines up with the Father’s plan, proving that the cross is no accident but divine design (Acts 2:23). I speak exactly what the Father has taught Me • Jesus fulfills Deuteronomy 18:18 as the Prophet who relays God’s words without error. “For the One whom God has sent speaks the words of God” (John 3:34). • His message is therefore binding; to reject His words is to reject the Father (John 12:48-50). • The unity of Father and Son means that at Calvary, God Himself is acting and speaking, offering reconciliation to the world (2 Corinthians 5:19). summary John 8:28 points straight to the cross. When Jesus is “lifted up,” observers—then and now—see unmistakably that He is the promised Messiah and the very embodiment of “I AM.” His crucifixion, resurrection, and exaltation confirm His divine identity, His flawless obedience, and the absolute reliability of everything He has taught. Knowing this, we can rest our faith on the finished work of the Son who perfectly reveals the Father. |
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