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 on My own, but speak exactly what the Father has taught Me. So Jesus said,This phrase introduces a direct statement from Jesus, emphasizing His role as a teacher and authority. In the Gospel of John, Jesus often uses direct speech to reveal deep spiritual truths and to clarify His identity and mission. This setting is part of a larger discourse where Jesus is addressing the Pharisees and the people in the temple courts. Jhn 3:34 For the One whom God has sent speaks the words of God,… “When you have lifted up the Son of Man, The term "lifted up" is a reference to Jesus' crucifixion. In the cultural and historical context, crucifixion was a Roman method of execution, symbolizing shame and suffering. However, Jesus uses it to signify His glorification and the fulfillment of His mission. The title "Son of Man" is a messianic term from Daniel 7:13-14, indicating both His humanity and divine authority. This phrase foreshadows the crucifixion as a pivotal event for revealing Jesus' true identity. Jhn 3:14 Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness… then you will know that I am He, This statement points to the recognition of Jesus' divine identity post-crucifixion. The phrase "I am He" echoes the divine name revealed to Moses in Exodus 3:14, suggesting Jesus' unity with God. The crucifixion and subsequent resurrection serve as the ultimate revelation of Jesus as the Messiah and Son of God, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies and confirming His teachings. Jhn 13:19 I am telling you now before it happens… and that I do nothing on My own, Here, Jesus emphasizes His complete dependence on and unity with the Father. This reflects the consistent theme in John's Gospel of Jesus' submission to the Father's will. It highlights the Trinitarian relationship and the divine mission of Jesus, who acts not independently but in perfect harmony with God's plan. Jhn 5:30 I can do nothing by Myself; I judge only as I hear. And My judgment is just,… but speak exactly what the Father has taught Me. This phrase underscores the divine origin of Jesus' teachings. In the cultural context of first-century Judaism, a rabbi or teacher would often speak on their own authority or tradition. However, Jesus claims His teachings come directly from God the Father, affirming His role as the ultimate prophet and teacher. This aligns with Deuteronomy 18:18, where God promises to raise a prophet who will speak His words. Jesus' teachings are thus presented as the ultimate revelation of God's truth. Jhn 12:49-50 I have not spoken on My own, but the Father who sent Me… Persons / Places / Events 1. JesusThe central figure in this passage, Jesus is speaking to the people, revealing His divine mission and relationship with the Father. 2. Son of Man A title Jesus uses for Himself, emphasizing His role in salvation and His fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. 3. The Father Refers to God the Father, highlighting the intimate relationship and unity between Jesus and the Father. 4. The Lifting Up This event refers to Jesus' crucifixion, where He is physically lifted up on the cross, symbolizing His sacrificial death for humanity's sins. 5. The Audience The people Jesus is addressing, which includes the Pharisees and other Jewish leaders, who are questioning His authority and identity. Teaching Points Understanding Jesus' IdentityJesus' statement "I am He" echoes the divine name revealed to Moses, affirming His deity and messianic role. The Necessity of the Cross The lifting up of the Son of Man is central to God's redemptive plan, demonstrating the necessity of Jesus' sacrifice for salvation. Unity with the Father Jesus' actions and words are in perfect harmony with the Father's will, serving as a model for believers to seek alignment with God's purposes. Revelation through Obedience True understanding of Jesus' identity and mission comes through His obedience to the Father, culminating in the cross. Living in Light of the Cross Believers are called to live in the reality of Jesus' sacrifice, embracing the transformative power of His death and resurrection in daily life. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Jesus' use of the title "Son of Man" in this passage connect to Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah?2. In what ways does the concept of being "lifted up" apply to both Jesus' crucifixion and His exaltation? 3. How can we model our lives after Jesus' example of doing nothing on His own but only what the Father taught Him? 4. What does this passage teach us about the relationship between Jesus' identity and His mission? 5. How can understanding the unity between Jesus and the Father impact our relationship with God and our obedience to His will? Connections to Other Scriptures John 3:14-15Jesus speaks of being lifted up like the serpent in the wilderness, indicating His crucifixion and the salvation it brings. Philippians 2:8-11 Paul describes Jesus' obedience to death on the cross and His subsequent exaltation, affirming His divine authority. Isaiah 52:13-53:12 The prophecy of the Suffering Servant, which foreshadows Jesus' sacrificial death and its redemptive purpose. Hebrews 5:8-9 Highlights Jesus' obedience and the perfection of His role as the source of eternal salvation.
People Jesus, DisciplesPlaces Jerusalem, Mount of OlivesTopics Added, Authority, Claim, Clear, Initiative, Lift, Lifted, Myself, Nothing, Speak, Taught, Teach, Teaching, ThusDictionary of Bible Themes John 8:28 1513 Trinity, mission of 2072 Christ, righteousness Library Ascension DayEversley. Chester Cathedral. 1872. St John viii. 58. "Before Abraham was, I am." Let us consider these words awhile. They are most fit for our thoughts on this glorious day, on which the Lord Jesus ascended to His Father, and to our Father, to His God, and to our God, that He might be glorified with the glory which He had with the Father before the making of the world. For it is clear that we shall better understand Ascension Day, just as we shall better understand Christmas or Eastertide, … Charles Kingsley—All Saints' Day and Other Sermons December 18 Evening September 15 Morning February 27 Evening December 10 Evening February 28 Evening April 9. "I do Always those Things that Please Him" (John viii. 29). The Light of the World 'Never in Bondage' Three Aspects of Faith July the Fifth the Discipleship that Tells On the Words of the Gospel, John viii. 31, "If Ye Abide in My Word, Then are Ye Truly My Disciples," Etc. Believing on Jesus, and Its Counterfeits Sermon for the Fourth Sunday in Lent Morgan -- the Perfect Ideal of Life Freedom. Of the Imitation of Christ, and of Contempt of the World and all Its Vanities Tobacco. Messianic Claims Met by Attempt to Stone Jesus. Sin. The Course of the World. The First Chapter: Imitating Christ and Despising all Vanities on Earth Links John 8:28 NIVJohn 8:28 NLT John 8:28 ESV John 8:28 NASB John 8:28 KJV John 8:28 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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