They
took up stones to throw at him, but Jesus was hidden, and went out of the temple, having gone through the middle of them, and so passed by.
John 8:59
John 8 [54.] Jesus answered, “If I glorify myself, my glory is nothing. It is my Father who glorifies me, of whom you say that he is our God. You have not known him, but I know him. If I said, ‘I don’t know him,’ I would be like you, a liar. But I know him, and keep his word. Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day. He saw it, and was glad.”
John 8 [57.] The Jews therefore said to him, “You are not yet fifty years old, and have you seen Abraham?”
John 8 [58.] Jesus said to them, “Most certainly, I tell you, before Abraham came into existence, I AM.[a]”
John 8 [59.] Therefore they took up stones to throw at him, but Jesus was hidden, and went out of the temple, having gone through the middle of them, and so passed by.
John 9 [1.] As he passed by, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?”
John 9 [3.] Jesus answered, “Neither did this man sin, nor his parents; but, that the works of God might be revealed in him. I must work the works of him who sent me, while it is day. The night is coming, when no one can work. While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”
Footnotes:
a. John 8:58 or, I am
Meaning:
This verse is a dramatic conclusion to a heated confrontation between Jesus and the Jewish leaders in the temple, where Jesus makes a bold declaration of His identity that incites anger and hostility. John 8:59 encapsulates the tension between Jesus and the religious authorities, the miraculous nature of His escape, and the profound implications of His claim to divinity.
- The Context of Confrontation
To fully grasp the significance of John 8:59, it’s essential to understand the context in which this event occurs. Earlier in John 8, Jesus is engaged in a dialogue with the Pharisees and other Jewish leaders. The discussion centers around Jesus’ identity, His relationship with the Father, and the nature of true discipleship.
The Claim of Divinity: In John 8:58, just before the crowd picks up stones, Jesus declares, “Most certainly, I tell you, before Abraham came into existence, I AM.” This statement is profound and provocative because "I AM" is the divine name revealed to Moses in Exodus 3:14, where God says, "I AM WHO I AM." By using this name for Himself, Jesus is not just claiming pre-existence before Abraham, but He is identifying Himself with Yahweh, the eternal God. This declaration is what triggers the reaction in verse 59, as the Jewish leaders perceive it as blasphemy, a claim worthy of death according to their law (Leviticus 24:16).
- The Attempted Stoning
“They took up stones to throw at him”: The act of picking up stones reflects the crowd’s intention to execute Jesus for what they believe is blasphemy. In the Jewish tradition, stoning was the prescribed punishment for blasphemy and other serious offenses. The immediacy of their reaction underscores how seriously they took Jesus’ words.
Hostility Toward Jesus: This moment is one of many instances in the Gospels where Jesus faces violent opposition from the religious leaders. Throughout His ministry, Jesus challenges the religious status quo, exposes hypocrisy, and claims authority that the leaders are unwilling to accept. Their hostility stems not only from their misunderstanding of who Jesus is but also from their unwillingness to relinquish their own power and control. John 10:31 records a similar event: “Therefore Jews took up stones again to stone him,” indicating that this was a recurring response to Jesus’ claims.
The Misunderstanding of Jesus’ Identity: The attempt to stone Jesus reveals a profound misunderstanding of His true identity. The Jewish leaders are so focused on preserving their religious traditions and authority that they fail to recognize the Messiah standing before them. This moment highlights the tragic irony that those who were supposed to be the spiritual leaders of Israel are blind to the fulfillment of God’s promises in Jesus.
- Jesus’ Miraculous Escape
“But Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple, having gone through the middle of them, and so passed by.”: This part of the verse describes how Jesus, despite the imminent threat, miraculously escapes the crowd's attempt to stone Him. The exact nature of this escape is not detailed, but the implication is that Jesus, by divine means, was able to avoid harm and continue His mission.
Divine Protection: Jesus’ escape is a testament to the divine protection over His life and mission. Throughout the Gospels, there are several instances where Jesus’ life is threatened, yet He is able to evade danger until the appointed time for His crucifixion. This moment in John 8:59 is a reminder that Jesus’ life was not taken from Him prematurely; rather, He laid it down willingly at the right time (John 10:18).
Fulfillment of His Mission: The fact that Jesus escapes unharmed also underscores the divine timing of His mission. Jesus knew that His hour had not yet come (John 7:30), and nothing could thwart God’s plan for Him to eventually go to the cross. His ability to walk away from this situation unharmed shows that He was in complete control, even in the face of intense opposition.
The Significance for Us
John 8:59 is a powerful reminder of who Jesus is and the nature of His mission. It calls us to reflect on several key truths:
Jesus’ Identity as God: Jesus’ declaration in John 8:58 forces us to confront the reality of His divinity. He is not just a prophet or a teacher; He is the eternal “I AM,” God in the flesh. This truth is central to the Christian faith and is foundational to our understanding of who Jesus is.
The Cost of Truth: The violent reaction of the crowd serves as a reminder that standing for truth, particularly the truth about Jesus, can lead to opposition and hostility. Jesus Himself warned in John 15:18, "If the world hates you, you know that it has hated me before it hated you." As followers of Christ, we may also face resistance when we uphold His teachings, but we are called to remain steadfast in our faith.
God’s Sovereignty and Protection: Jesus’ escape from the stoning attempt demonstrates God’s sovereignty and the protection He provides to fulfill His purposes. This should encourage us to trust in God’s plan for our lives, knowing that He is in control and that nothing can happen outside of His will.
Conclusion: John 8:59 is a verse that captures the tension and conflict inherent in Jesus’ ministry. It illustrates the profound misunderstanding of His identity by the religious leaders, their violent rejection of His claims, and the divine protection that enabled Him to continue His mission. For us, this verse challenges us to recognize Jesus as the eternal "I AM," to be prepared for the cost of following Him, and to trust in God’s sovereign care over our lives. In a world that often rejects the truth of Christ, we are called to stand firm in our faith, knowing that He who walked through the midst of His enemies will also walk with us through every trial.
PIB Scriptures are derived from the World English Bible