John 8:27-30 27They did not understand that he had been speaking to them about the Father. 28Therefore, Jesus said to them, “When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am, and that I do nothing on my own, but I speak these things just as the Father taught me. 29And the one who sent me is with me. He has not left me alone, because I always do the things pleasing to him.” 30As he was saying these things, many believed in him.
John adds a narrative note in verse 27 that indicates the difficulty the Jews were having. They failed to connect their theology to their experience of Jesus. Jesus made it clear earlier (5:16-30) but they could not or would not overcome their prejudice against him. Those who should have known what he meant did not. Once again, Jesus makes it clear in his next reply. There are several significant ideas in the following verses.
First, verse 28 is the first reference to Jesus being lifted up (hypsōsēte). This verb is likely an indirect reference to Jesus being hung on a Roman cross, where he will literally be lifted up before the crowds. Yet, when he is crucified, he will also be glorified as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. The cross will be how Jesus will be glorified. The cross fulfills God’s eternal plan to redeem fallen humanity and show his love for us and identification with our suffering.
Second, the Jews will come to know Jesus’ identity through the cross. Many refused to believe before the cross, but many would believe after Jesus’ resurrection and the coming of the Holy Spirit. Jesus gives another significant I am (egō eimi) statement, this one without any predicate after. The Jews will come to know Jesus as the “I am” who came in the flesh to live among them and show them the meaning of love.
Third, they will recognize that Jesus has been the primary messenger from God. The Jews will realize that the claims he made about his relationship to the Father will be proven true. Jesus has claimed multiple times in his teaching about his close relationship to God. To call God Father assumes one is a son or daughter of God. Jesus is the “only begotten Son,” unique in all creation as the one born miraculously of a virgin and with unique abilities and sinless character because of his perfect faith in God. Jesus knew his identity and would not compromise his relationship to God for convenience, physical need, or people’s attention. He sets the perfect pattern for how we must approach God.
Fourth, Jesus knew he was not alone but that the Father was with him. He does not mention the Holy Spirit here, but the Spirit is the link between the heavenly Father and the earthly Son. The same Spirit is available to us and is also our link to the Father and also the link to the Son. Jesus had a sense of the Father’s presence, and this awareness would keep him strong when he faced his trial, suffering, and eventual death.
Finally, Jesus did only what the Father directed him to do. His life glorified God the Father. He lived in perfect obedience. What he said, where he went, and what he did were in alignment with the will of God. How did he know these things? Did he have a special tunnel to God that no one else has ever had? The Gospel accounts give a mixed perspective. On the one hand, Jesus was unique with special revelation. Therefore, what he spoke was new revelation. No one has been or ever will be in this special position with God. On the other hand, Jesus spent time in prayer, listening to the Father’s inner voice. He also studied the Scriptures and lived out their truths in all he did. In this way, he set the pattern for his disciples.
As a result of his words, many Jews did come to believe, as have people throughout the ages. Jesus’ teachings make logical and experiential sense to those who accept their truths. But to those who refuse to believe, they remain a mystery and bring confusion. Faith is the key. Will we accept Jesus’ identity as the “I am”?
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