You Will Know!

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Opening Prayer

Jesus, Son of God, You loved me and sacrificed Yourself for me. I am forever grateful.

Read JOHN 8:21-30

^[21] Once more Jesus said to them, “I am going away, and you will look for me, and you will die in your sin. Where I go, you cannot come.” ^[22] This made the Jews ask, “Will he kill himself? Is that why he says, ‘Where I go, you cannot come’?” ^[23] But he continued, “You are from below; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world. ^[24] I told you that you would die in your sins; if you do not believe that I am he, you will indeed die in your sins.” ^[25] “Who are you?” they asked. “Just what I have been telling you from the beginning,” Jesus replied. ^[26] “I have much to say in judgment of you. But he who sent me is trustworthy, and what I have heard from him I tell the world.” ^[27] They did not understand that he was telling them about his Father. ^[28] 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. ^[29] The one who sent me is with me; he has not left me alone, for I always do what pleases him.” ^[30] Even as he spoke, many believed in him.

Meditate

“Love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all” (Isaac Watts, 1674-1748).

Think Further

The discussion between the Pharisees and Jesus continues as to Jesus’ identity and origins, but it is not a polite discussion and the tension is mounting.

The passage begins with Jesus repeating the thought of 7:33,34, but he is no more understood than earlier. The Jews wonder if he is contemplating suicide, but his response shreds their misguided speculation (23). The trouble, as Jesus states, is that they come from opposing worlds, such that they refuse to believe in him, with the inevitable consequence (24). Jesus’ absolute statement, “I am he” reflects the divine name revealed to Moses (Isa. 43:10; Exod. 3:13,14), but the potential ambiguity of that statement, aligned with the Jews’ refusal to believe in Jesus, prompts them to ask for clarification (25). Jesus refuses to answer directly, but he does tell them when they will know the answer to that question (28). When they see Jesus “lifted up,” they will know not only Jesus’ true identity, but also his true origins. One of the functions of the cross is to bring a full revelation of who Jesus is. The immediate effect of Jesus’ words in verses 28 and 29 is a divided audience, as “many believed in him” (30).

We all know that the cross is pivotal and the preaching of the cross continues to do what it did when Jesus spoke these words. A division occurs between those who recognize who Jesus is and those who refuse to believe. For those who believe, there is the promise of eternal life (John 3:14-16). The tragedy is that for those who refuse, Jesus’ words sound a clear warning: “You will indeed die in your sins” (24). Surely, that should drive us to prayer!

Apply

Do you have those in your family and among your friends who still have not recognized who Jesus is? Pray that they will recognize the one who was “lifted up.” Pray for a divinely orchestrated opportunity to share with them.

Closing prayer

Gracious Lord, it is so much easier to witness to those who do not really know me. Give me courage, sensitivity, and the desire to share Your love with those close to me.

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