John 8:28 - Jesus therefore said to them, “When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am he, and I do nothing of myself, but as my Father taught me, I say these things.
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "John 8:28" mean?
This verse from John 8:28 is packed with meaning and layers of interpretation. Let's break it down:
"Jesus therefore said to them...": This provides context. Jesus is speaking to a group of Jews who are challenging his authority and origin. They are skeptical about his claims and questioning his identity.
"When you have lifted up the Son of Man...": This is a crucial part of the verse. "Lifting up the Son of Man" has a double meaning:
Crucifixion: It refers to the physical act of Jesus being lifted up on the cross. This is the primary, most immediate interpretation.
Exaltation/Glorification: It also points to the ultimate exaltation and glorification of Jesus through his death, resurrection, and ascension. This is the long-term, spiritual interpretation.
"...then you will know that I am he...": This is the core of the verse. The "lifting up" (especially his crucifixion and subsequent resurrection) will be the event that will truly reveal Jesus' identity to them. "I am he" is a loaded phrase, strongly implying Jesus' divine identity, echoing the "I AM" (YHWH) from the Old Testament. He is essentially saying, "You will understand that I am God." This knowledge comes after the fact, after the event that seems like defeat and humiliation.
"...and I do nothing of myself...": This emphasizes Jesus' complete obedience and dependence on God the Father. He is not acting independently but in perfect unity with the Father's will.
"...but as my Father taught me, I say these things.": This reinforces the previous point. Jesus' teachings are not his own invention but are divinely inspired and authorized by the Father. It highlights his role as the Messenger of God.
In summary, the verse means:
Jesus is telling his audience that only after his crucifixion and resurrection will they truly understand who he is – the divine "I AM," sent by the Father. He clarifies that his actions and teachings are not his own, but a direct reflection of the Father's will and instruction.
Key Interpretations and Implications:
Identity and Revelation: The crucifixion, seemingly an act of defeat, becomes the catalyst for revelation. It's a paradoxical statement that points to the transformative power of Jesus' sacrifice.
Divinity: The phrase "I am he" is a powerful claim to Jesus' divine identity and his unique relationship with God.
Obedience: Jesus' obedience to the Father is central to his mission. He is the perfect embodiment of God's will on Earth.
Fulfillment of Prophecy: Some see this verse as a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah.
Faith and Understanding: Understanding Jesus' true identity requires faith and a willingness to look beyond the immediate circumstances of his suffering.
Contextual Considerations:
It's important to remember that the people Jesus was speaking to were largely resistant to his message. This verse is a challenge to their understanding and a prophecy of future revelation. It suggests that they will not truly understand until after the events he foretells.
The verse is important for understanding the core of the Christian faith: Jesus' divinity, his relationship with the Father, and the importance of his death and resurrection for salvation.
John 8:28 - Jesus therefore said to them, “When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am he, and I do nothing of myself, but as my Father taught me, I say these things.
What does "John 8:28" mean?
This verse from John 8:28 is packed with meaning and layers of interpretation. Let's break it down:
"Jesus therefore said to them...": This provides context. Jesus is speaking to a group of Jews who are challenging his authority and origin. They are skeptical about his claims and questioning his identity.
"When you have lifted up the Son of Man...": This is a crucial part of the verse. "Lifting up the Son of Man" has a double meaning:
Crucifixion: It refers to the physical act of Jesus being lifted up on the cross. This is the primary, most immediate interpretation.
Exaltation/Glorification: It also points to the ultimate exaltation and glorification of Jesus through his death, resurrection, and ascension. This is the long-term, spiritual interpretation.
"...then you will know that I am he...": This is the core of the verse. The "lifting up" (especially his crucifixion and subsequent resurrection) will be the event that will truly reveal Jesus' identity to them. "I am he" is a loaded phrase, strongly implying Jesus' divine identity, echoing the "I AM" (YHWH) from the Old Testament. He is essentially saying, "You will understand that I am God." This knowledge comes after the fact, after the event that seems like defeat and humiliation.
"...and I do nothing of myself...": This emphasizes Jesus' complete obedience and dependence on God the Father. He is not acting independently but in perfect unity with the Father's will.
"...but as my Father taught me, I say these things.": This reinforces the previous point. Jesus' teachings are not his own invention but are divinely inspired and authorized by the Father. It highlights his role as the Messenger of God.
In summary, the verse means:
Jesus is telling his audience that only after his crucifixion and resurrection will they truly understand who he is – the divine "I AM," sent by the Father. He clarifies that his actions and teachings are not his own, but a direct reflection of the Father's will and instruction.
Key Interpretations and Implications:
Identity and Revelation: The crucifixion, seemingly an act of defeat, becomes the catalyst for revelation. It's a paradoxical statement that points to the transformative power of Jesus' sacrifice.
Divinity: The phrase "I am he" is a powerful claim to Jesus' divine identity and his unique relationship with God.
Obedience: Jesus' obedience to the Father is central to his mission. He is the perfect embodiment of God's will on Earth.
Fulfillment of Prophecy: Some see this verse as a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah.
Faith and Understanding: Understanding Jesus' true identity requires faith and a willingness to look beyond the immediate circumstances of his suffering.
Contextual Considerations:
It's important to remember that the people Jesus was speaking to were largely resistant to his message. This verse is a challenge to their understanding and a prophecy of future revelation. It suggests that they will not truly understand until after the events he foretells.
The verse is important for understanding the core of the Christian faith: Jesus' divinity, his relationship with the Father, and the importance of his death and resurrection for salvation.