“Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things.”– John 8:28 (KJV)
“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 just what the Father has taught me.’– John 8:28 (NLT)
“Jesus said, ‘When you lift up the Son of Man, then you’ll know who I am. I don’t make this up as I go. I speak only what the Father taught me.’– John 8:28 (MSG)
What Does John 8:28 Mean?
In John 8:28, we find Jesus speaking openly about His mission and identity. This verse serves as a key moment, as it reveals His awareness of the imminent events that are yet to unfold. When He mentions being “lifted up,” it refers to His crucifixion. This phrase holds a dual meaning; it refers to His physical elevation on the cross and also to His exaltation after resurrection and ascension. Thus, this moment becomes crucial not just for understanding who Jesus is but for grasping the essence of His salvation work on our behalf.
When Jesus says, “I do nothing of myself,” He emphasizes His close relationship with the Father. His words and actions are not merely His own but are reflections of God’s will. This brings forth a beautiful concept of unity within the Trinity—the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit working harmoniously to bring about salvation. By this, Jesus is not only asserting His divine authority but also humbling Himself as He points back to the Father. In a world where self-reliance can often be placed above dependence on God, this declaration serves as a gentle reminder for us to seek guidance from God in every aspect of our lives.
John 8:28 Explanation and Commentary
To better understand this powerful statement from Jesus, we need to examine the background leading up to it. Jesus was talking to a group of people who were skeptical about His claims. They were trying to trap Him with their questions, seeking to discredit His authority. In this confrontation, Jesus stands firm, reiterating the truth that He is the Son of Man and that He has come to save the world.
The phrase “when you have lifted up the Son of Man” takes us directly to the heart of the gospel narrative—Jesus’ crucifixion. It points to an event that appears to be one of defeat but, in reality, is a victory over sin and death. This powerful transformation brings about salvation, offering us redemption no matter where we come from or the mistakes we make. In this light, the lifting up of Jesus becomes a symbol of hope. It reminds us that what looks like failure can lead to triumph.
Furthermore, the task of speaking what the Father has taught Him reveals Jesus’ role as our ultimate teacher. His life perfectly exemplifies how we are to live in alignment with God’s will. As followers of Christ, we are called to mirror this dynamic relationship between Jesus and the Father. Just as the Father guides Jesus, we should seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit in our decisions, actions, and thoughts. This way, we can walk in faithfulness and fulfill our purpose as children of God.
Moreover, there is a sense of urgency in Jesus’ words, underscoring that the time to acknowledge Him is now. His plea is for everyone to recognize Him as the Messiah and to understand what His sacrifice means for humanity. This is not just a historical moment; it is a call for each of us to respond in faith and trust. In sharing this, we can spread the good news, encouraging others to lift their eyes to Jesus, who is the source of all salvation and hope.
Finally, the combination of speaking and doing in this verse teaches us the importance of integrity. As followers of Christ, our words and actions must align with God’s teachings. We should strive to embody the principles of love, grace, and forgiveness that Jesus demonstrated during His time on earth. Only then can we genuinely reflect the character of Christ in our lives.
Context of John 8:28
The context of John 8:28 is deeply rooted in an ongoing discourse Jesus had with the Jewish people. Earlier in this chapter, Jesus declares Himself as the light of the world, challenging the misconceptions that surrounded His identity. The crowds were confused and skeptical, questioning whether He could be the Messiah. Jesus uses these moments to clarify who He is and what He represents. It is in this challenging environment that He makes the profound declaration of His unity with the Father.
We can see the tension in the exchange He has with the religious leaders. They are resistant and even hostile towards Him, as they refuse to believe in His divinity and authority. Yet, in the face of adversity, Jesus does not shy away from proclaiming the truth. He affirms that He is destined for a higher purpose, one that transcends earthly understanding. His purpose is tied closely with that of the Father, and this declaration is pivotal in revealing the real mission of Jesus— to bring salvation to the world.
The mention of being “lifted up” serves as a foreshadowing of Jesus’ crucifixion. It is here that we glimpse the heart of the Gospel: that Jesus willingly laid down His life for our sins. His sacrificial love invites us into a relationship with Him. Emphasizing that His teachings come directly from the Father, He stresses the importance of divine revelation, which serves to validate His identity spiritual authority.
During this discourse, Jesus continually invites both His followers and skeptics alike to know Him deeply. The opportunity for understanding is there, but it requires an open heart and a willingness to see Him for who He is. We can learn much from this context; understanding that Jesus’ message was for everyone, irrespective of their background. The call is not limited to any particular group but extends to all of us today.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of John 8:28
In breaking down John 8:28, we identify several key components that reveal the depth of Jesus’ message. Each part plays a significant role in our understanding of His ministry and vision for humanity. The first is the phrase “when you have lifted up the Son of Man.” This signifies that Jesus is fully aware of the event of His crucifixion and its implications. The act of being lifted up is not only about physical elevation but also holds a spiritual significance that marks the beginning of hope and restoration.
The next part, “then you will know that I am he,” is a profound affirmation of His identity. Here Jesus connects back to the name “I AM,” which is deeply rooted in the Old Testament—specifically, in the story of Moses and the burning bush. By using this phrase, He aligns Himself with the divine identity of God and lays claim to the very nature of Who He is. This is a statement not just of identity but of authority and power.
Then we have the statement, “I do nothing of myself.” This represents Jesus’ humility and submission to God’s will. It captures the heart of His mission on earth. We must remember that we, too, are called to live in submission to God’s plans for our lives. This profound sense of trust shapes the way we interact with our environment. In saying that He speaks only what the Father has taught Him, Jesus reinforces the idea that our words should be deeply rooted in God’s truth.
This brings us to the last part, which encapsulates a beautifully intimate relationship between Jesus and the Father. He shows us that our actions and words must resonate with divine wisdom. This highlights our own calling as believers: we should seek to understand and communicate the truth of God’s Word in our daily lives. It urges us to look to Scripture for guidance as we navigate the challenges we face.
Lessons to Learn From John 8:28
John 8:28 offers numerous lessons that we can apply to our daily lives. One significant takeaway is the importance of acknowledging Jesus. Recognizing Him as the Son of Man requires humility and an open heart to accept His divine nature. The recognition leads us to understand His sacrifice on the cross and the profound love He has for each one of us. It pushes us to share this message with others, communicating the joy of our salvation.
Another lesson is the importance of our speech and actions reflecting God’s will. Like Jesus, we must strive to align our words with what we learn from the Father. This creates a foundation of integrity in our lives. We can find guidance in the teachings found in Scripture and aim to practice them daily—whether it be love, patience, or forgiveness. Building our lives on God’s Word assures us we can navigate difficult situations with grace.
The scripture also teaches us about the role of the Holy Spirit in our lives. As followers of Christ, we have access to divine wisdom that guides our decisions. By seeking the Holy Spirit’s guidance, we open ourselves up to profound revelations that can shape our direction. This relationship enables us to live in a way that aligns with God’s heart.
Furthermore, this verse serves as a reminder of the power of humility. Jesus, despite His authority, illustrates that true greatness lies in our dependence on God. When we acknowledge that we cannot do anything of ourselves, we align ourselves with Jesus’ teachings. It encourages us to step back and rely on divine strength, particularly in moments of weakness or uncertainty.
Lastly, John 8:28 reminds us of our mission as ambassadors of Christ. We are called to share His message and reflect His love in everything we do. It’s not just for us alone but for the whole world. Every interaction we have is an opportunity to be a light, pointing others back to the Savior who loves them unconditionally.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, John 8:28 reminds us of the beauty of our relationship with Jesus and His commitment to revealing the truth about who He is. His willingness to link His profound destiny with our lives emphasizes the great love He has for each of us. As we reflect on His words, we are encouraged to enter into a deeper relationship with Him, allowing His teachings to transform us.
May we strive to understand our identity as children of God, walking in faithfulness as representatives of Christ. Each time we engage with others, let it be a reflection of His love and grace. Let’s seek to communicate His message of hope and salvation to those around us, sharing the importance of acknowledging Jesus in our lives. This harmony between our lives and God’s Word will enable us to fulfill the purpose that He has called us to.
As we continue exploring the depths of God’s Word, let us remember that every scripture holds valuable lessons. If you are eager to dive deeper into other sections of the Bible, consider checking out John 7:13 for more insights.