This captures a pivotal moment in Jesus' ministry, as He speaks to the Jewish leaders about His identity and mission. This verse offers profound insights into Jesus' relationship with the Father and the importance of obeying God's commands. In this passage, Jesus is addressing the Jewish leaders who were challenging His authority and questioning His claims. By referring to Himself as the "Son of Man," Jesus alludes to the Messianic prophecy in Daniel 7:13-14, where the "Son of Man" is given dominion and an everlasting kingdom by the Ancient of Days.
Applying this verse to our lives, we are reminded of Jesus' divine identity as the Son of God, the long-awaited Messiah. By acknowledging Him as the "Son of Man," we affirm His unique role as the Savior and Lord, who came to fulfill God's redemptive plan.
The second part of the verse reveals Jesus' complete submission to the Father's will and teaching. He declares, "I do nothing of myself, but as my Father taught me, I say these things." This statement underscores Jesus' perfect obedience to the Father and His dependency on God's guidance.
Throughout the Gospels, Jesus emphasizes His unity with the Father and His commitment to fulfilling God's purpose. In John 5:19, He declares, "Most certainly, I tell you, the Son can do nothing of himself, but what he sees the Father doing. For whatever things he does, these the Son also does likewise."
In John 12:49-50, Jesus reiterates His obedience to the Father's command: "For I spoke not from myself, but the Father who sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak. I know that his commandment is eternal life. The things therefore which I speak, even as the Father has said to me, so I speak."
Applying this aspect of the passage to our lives, we are called to emulate Jesus' obedience and dependence on God. As His followers, we should seek to align our will with God's will and follow His teachings with wholehearted devotion. By surrendering our lives to God's guidance, we can experience the transformative power of His presence and live in accordance with His divine plan.
The first part of the verse, "When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am he," refers to Jesus' impending crucifixion and resurrection. Jesus speaks of His death on the cross, which would be followed by His glorious resurrection.
Applying this aspect of the passage to our lives, we are reminded of the centrality of Jesus' death and resurrection in the Christian faith. Through His sacrificial death, Jesus atoned for our sins and made a way for us to be reconciled with God. His resurrection from the dead demonstrated His victory over sin and death, offering the hope of eternal life to all who believe in Him.
In conclusion, John 8:28 captures a pivotal moment in Jesus' ministry, where He speaks to the Jewish leaders about His identity and mission. By referring to Himself as the "Son of Man," Jesus affirms His divine role as the Messiah. He also emphasizes His complete submission to the Father's will and teaching, declaring that He does nothing of Himself but speaks what the Father has taught Him.
As His followers, we are called to embrace Jesus as the Son of God and the Savior of the world. By obeying God's commands and seeking His guidance, we can experience the transformative power of His presence in our lives. The crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus stand as the central events of the Christian faith, offering hope, forgiveness, and eternal life to all who believe in Him. May we follow Jesus with wholehearted devotion and proclaim His truth to the world around us, declaring His identity as the Son of God and the light of the world.
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.”