John 8:28 – “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.'”

Extended Explanation

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to the religious leaders who are questioning Him. He makes a prophetic statement about His crucifixion, referring to Himself as the “Son of Man” and saying that He will be “lifted up.”

The phrase “lifted up” has a double meaning. On one level, it refers to Jesus being physically lifted onto the cross. But on a deeper level, it also points to His exaltation—His death, resurrection, and ascension into heaven. Though His enemies believe they will defeat Him by crucifying Him, they are actually fulfilling God’s plan.

Jesus also says, “then you will know that I am he.” This does not mean that everyone who saw Him crucified would immediately believe in Him, but that His identity would be fully revealed through His death and resurrection. The crucifixion, followed by His resurrection, would confirm everything He had been saying about Himself.

He also emphasizes that He does “nothing on my own but speak just what the Father has taught me.” This shows that Jesus is completely in line with the will of God. His words and actions are not independent—they are direct from the Father.

Historical Context

Jesus is in Jerusalem, teaching in the temple courts. The religious leaders are already plotting against Him, though the actual crucifixion is still some time away.

The title “Son of Man” comes from Daniel 7:13-14, where the Son of Man is given authority and an everlasting kingdom. Jesus frequently uses this title to describe Himself, showing both His humanity and His divine authority.

The religious leaders do not yet understand what Jesus is saying. They will later play a key role in His arrest and crucifixion, but they will not realize until after His resurrection that they were fulfilling God’s plan. Some, like the Roman centurion at the cross (Mark 15:39), will recognize Him for who He truly is.

Theological Implications

1. Jesus’ Crucifixion Was Foretold – Jesus knew that He would be crucified, and He willingly accepted it as part of God’s plan.
2. The Cross Reveals Who Jesus Is – His crucifixion and resurrection prove His divine identity.
3. Jesus Speaks the Words of the Father – Everything He says and does is in obedience to God’s will.

Literary Analysis

John often uses double meanings in his writing, and “lifted up” is a key example. In one sense, it means physically lifted onto the cross. In another, it means lifted in glory—His sacrifice leads to His ultimate victory.

The phrase “then you will know that I am he” echoes Old Testament language where God declares, “I am” (Exodus 3:14, Isaiah 43:10). Jesus is subtly affirming His divine identity.

Biblical Cross-References

• John 3:14-15 – “Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him.” (Jesus compares His crucifixion to the bronze serpent in Numbers 21:9, which brought healing.)
• John 12:32 – “And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” (Jesus again links His crucifixion to His power to save.)
• Philippians 2:8-9 – “And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name.” (Jesus’ humility in His death leads to His exaltation.)

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse reminds us that Jesus willingly went to the cross as part of God’s plan. His crucifixion was not an accident—it was the very means by which salvation would come.

For believers today, this verse is a call to trust in Jesus’ words. Just as He spoke only what the Father gave Him, we are called to live in obedience to God’s truth. It also reminds us that suffering is not meaningless. Just as Jesus’ suffering led to victory, God can use trials in our lives for His purpose.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is shown in that He did not leave us in sin but provided a way of salvation through Jesus. Even though people rejected Jesus and crucified Him, His death became the way to eternal life. This shows that God’s love is greater than human sin.

Jesus’ obedience to the Father also demonstrates God’s love. He did not come to do His own will but to carry out the Father’s plan to save the world. This reveals a God who is completely trustworthy and committed to rescuing sinners.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

This verse highlights Jesus’ role as the suffering Savior and the obedient Son of God.

• Isaiah 53:5 – “But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.” (Jesus’ suffering was for our salvation.)
• Hebrews 10:7 – “Then I said, ‘Here I am—it is written about me in the scroll—I have come to do your will, my God.’” (Jesus fully submitted to God’s plan.)
• John 14:9-10 – “Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father… The words I say to you I do not speak on my own authority. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work.” (Jesus perfectly represents God.)

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. What does it mean that Jesus was “lifted up,” and why is that important?
2. How does Jesus’ obedience to the Father challenge us to live in obedience to God?
3. In what ways do people today fail to recognize Jesus for who He truly is?
4. How does Jesus’ crucifixion reveal both God’s justice and His mercy?
5. What can we learn from Jesus’ willingness to suffer for the sake of God’s plan?