Commentary on John 8:28

John 8:28 states, “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.’” This verse is rich with theological significance and profound implications regarding the identity of Christ, His mission, and the relationship between Him and the Father.

Contextual Background

This passage occurs during a time of heightened tension between Jesus and the Jewish authorities. As He continues to teach in the temple, He confronts their disbelief and misunderstanding of His identity and mission. This context is vital for a deeper understanding of the statements He makes.

Key Themes in John 8:28

• The Lifting Up of the Son of Man: Jesus references His impending crucifixion. The phrase “lifted up” is prophetic, pointing to His being exalted through suffering. This paradox highlights the path to glory through humiliation.
• Self-Authentication of Christ: Jesus indicates that the event of His crucifixion will be a decisive moment. The lifting up of the Son of Man serves as a revelation of His divine identity. It speaks to how His sacrificial death will authenticate His claims about Himself.
• Divine Authority and Teaching: Jesus emphasizes His relationship with the Father. His teaching and actions are not self-initiated but derived from His communion with the Father. This highlights the unity of purpose and mission between the Father and the Son.

Exegesis of the Text

Matthew Henry states that in this passage, Jesus signifies that His being “lifted up” refers to both the cross and His exaltation. This duality emphasizes that through His death, He conquers sin and death, providing salvation. The term “I am he” (or “I am”) reinforces His divine nature, echoing the sacred name of God revealed to Moses.

Adam Clarke elaborates on the phrase “I do nothing on my own.” This underscores the complete dependence of Jesus on the Father. His ministry consists of obedience and submission to God’s will. Clarke points out that the authority with which Jesus speaks stems from His intimate relationship with God, lending weight to His teachings and actions.

Albert Barnes draws attention to the phrase “you will know that I am he,” interpreting it as a revelation of Jesus’ true nature, which will only be fully understood after His crucifixion and resurrection. Barnes emphasizes that the realization of Jesus’ identity as the Messiah comes through the acknowledgment of His work and sacrifice, an idea that resonates throughout the New Testament.

Theological Implications

• Christology: John 8:28 is foundational for understanding the person and work of Christ. It affirms both His humanity and divinity. The notion of being “lifted up” encapsulates the essence of the Gospel — His death as a pivotal moment in redemptive history.
• Revelation of God: The verse also serves as a testament to how Jesus reveals God to humanity. His actions and teachings resonate with divine authority, meant to lead believers to a greater understanding of who God is.
• Salvation History: The mention of the cross foreshadows the central theme of salvation history where Christ's sacrifice is integral for the forgiveness of sins and the establishment of a new covenant.

Practical Applications

For pastors, students, and theologians, this verse is a powerful reminder of the importance of the cross in the Christian faith. It highlights several practical applications:

• Preaching the Cross: Effective preaching must always center on the sacrifice of Christ. Just as Jesus pointed to His crucifixion as the key to understanding His mission, so too should modern preaching reflect the necessity of the cross and resurrection.
• Living in Dependence on God: The model of Christ’s submission to the Father challenges Christians to continually seek God’s direction in their lives, emphasizing prayer, study of Scripture, and obedience to God’s will.
• Understanding Identity in Christ: Believers are encouraged to find their identity in Christ just as Christ finds His in the Father. This relationship offers assurance of purpose and belonging within the community of faith.

Conclusion

John 8:28 encapsulates a significant theological truth about the identity and mission of Jesus Christ. The interwoven themes of crucifixion, authority, and divine revelation reveal profound insights essential for understanding the essence of the Gospel. Through the lens of comprehensive biblical scholarship, including insights from Matthew Henry, Albert Barnes, and Adam Clarke, pastors, students, and scholars are equipped to delve deeper into the heart of Christian faith, emphasizing the transformative power of Christ’s sacrifice.