Absolutes are Permitted!

Inevitably, Jesus’ opponents cannot leave the conversation where we finished yesterday. Given what Jesus said, his opponents start making their own accusations as to who Jesus is and what motivates him.

The accusation of demon possession is not new (cf. John 7:20; Mark 3:22), although this is the only place in the Gospels where Jesus is accused of being a Samaritan (48). The aim of both is to dishonor Jesus; in doing so, they are dishonoring the one who sent him. Jesus then makes another absolute claim about himself, but again his opponents deliberately misunderstand, believing that Jesus is talking about physical death (51). The force of the question at the end of verse 53 is, “What is Jesus exalting himself to be?” Jesus’ response is that he is not making himself out to be anybody: he is seeking the glory of his Father (54). Previously, they had appealed to Abraham, now Jesus makes the same appeal (56). His opponents find this incredible, not because they objected to the idea that Abraham saw the Messianic era–this was uncontroversial–but because Jesus said, “my day” (56). The Jews realize that Jesus is also claiming that he saw Abraham’s faith; hence their shocked response. And so we reach the climax of chapter 8. In the absolute “I am” Jesus is claiming unity with YHWH (Exod. 3:14). There is no doubt as to how the Jews hear this (59). They react as the Law prescribes for blasphemy (Lev. 24:16), but Jesus slips away. It is not yet time (8:20).

Ultimately, it is not Jesus’ actions that outrage his opponents, but his claims about himself. In our pluralistic world, where absolute claims are not welcome, we need to proclaim the truth that Jesus is “the way and the truth and the life” (14:6). Absolutes are permitted!

Read 8:12-59 again, and note the absolute claims Jesus makes. Which of these do you need to proclaim? Pray for the confidence to do so.