John 6:62
Then what if you were to see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before?
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The verse isn't just asking if they'll see Jesus go up; it's pointing out a stark contrast. By "ascending where he was before," Jesus is highlighting his pre-existence and divine origin, a truth so profound that it makes their current stumbling block—his teachings about his flesh and blood—seem comparatively minor. This statement hints that even greater truths, which they are also unprepared for, await them.
After a challenging teaching about eating his flesh and drinking his blood, Jesus notices his followers grumbling and many are turning away because his words are too difficult to accept. He points out that their offense stems from an inability to grasp his spiritual message, and then asks them how they would react if they saw him ascend back to heaven, the place he was before he came down.
Understand the original words
huion tou anthrōpou · Greek Noun phrase
A messianic title used by Jesus for Himself, rooted in Daniel 7:13-14. It emphasizes His humanity while simultaneously affirming His divine authority, heavenly origin, and future role as the eschatological Judge and King.
Jesus' question about His ascension highlights that His heavenly glory is the ultimate proof of His claims, challenging the disciples who are stumbling over His earthly teachings. The event of His ascension, though not witnessed by all the crowd, would later confirm His divine identity and validate His difficult words.
c. AD 27-30— this verse
Jesus teaches in Capernaum synagogue
Jesus is teaching in the synagogue in Capernaum, explaining His identity and the nature of His spiritual sustenance. Many disciples begin to leave because they find His teaching difficult to accept.
c. AD 30
Jesus predicts his death and resurrection
Jesus uses the impending event of His ascension to heaven as a way to challenge the disbelief of His followers. He points to His return to the Father as a confirmation of His divine origins.
c. AD 30
Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection
Jesus is crucified, dies, and is resurrected. This event, while offensive to many, serves as a central proof of His identity and mission.
c. AD 30
Jesus' ascension into heaven
Jesus ascends into heaven, returning to His pre-existent glory. This event fulfills His prophecy and serves as a sign to His followers.
This passage echoes the idea of the Son of Man's heavenly origin and ascent, directly linking Jesus' earthly identity with his pre-existence and return to heaven.
John 16:28Jesus directly states His divine origin and impending departure back to the Father, reinforcing the concept of His heavenly existence before His incarnation and His return there.
Acts 1:9-11This passage provides the historical account of the Ascension, the very event Jesus alludes to as proof of His divine origin and authority, which would challenge His doubters.
Ephesians 4:9-10This passage explains the theological significance of Christ's ascension, highlighting that His return to heaven was a fulfillment of His divine mission and a prerequisite for filling all things with His presence.
calvinJohn 6:59-64: "These things said he in the synagogue, as he taught in Capernaum."
- He spoke these things in the synagogue. John points out the place, that we may know that there were many present, and likewise, that a sermon was delivered as on a weighty and important subject. But it immediately follows that out of so great a multitude there were scarcely to be found a very few who profited by it; and -- what is worse -- it proved to be the occasion of desertion to many who professed to be d…
cambridgeJohn 6:62: "What and if ye shall see the Son of man ascend up where he was before?"
62 . What and if , &c.] Literally, If therefore ye should behold the Son of man ascending where He was before? The sentence breaks off ( aposiopesis ) leaving something to be understood: but what is to be understood? The answer to this depends on the meaning assigned to ‘behold the Son of man ascending.’ The most literal and obvious interpretation is of an actual beholding of the Ascension: and in that case we s…
The verse isn't just asking if they'll see Jesus go up; it's pointing out a stark contrast. By "ascending where he was before," Jesus is highlighting his pre-existence and divine origin, a truth so profound that it makes their current stumbling block—his teachings about his flesh and blood—seem comparatively minor. This statement hints that even greater truths, which they are also unprepared for, await them.
After a challenging teaching about eating his flesh and drinking his blood, Jesus notices his followers grumbling and many are turning away because his words are too difficult to accept. He points out that their offense stems from an inability to grasp his spiritual message, and then asks them how they would react if they saw him ascend back to heaven, the place he was before he came down.
After a challenging teaching about eating his flesh and drinking his blood, Jesus notices his followers grumbling and many are turning away because his words are too difficult to accept. He points out that their offense stems from an inability to grasp his spiritual message, and then asks them how they would react if they saw him ascend back to heaven, the place he was before he came down.
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c. AD 30 - AD 60s
Early Church spreads the Gospel
The apostles and early believers share the message of Jesus' life, death, resurrection, and ascension. Despite initial offense, the message gains traction and forms the foundation of the Christian faith.
"Then what if you were to see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before?" — The verse isn't just asking if they'll see Jesus go up; it's pointing out a stark contrast. By "ascending where he was before," Jesus is highlighting his pre-existence and divine origin, a truth so p…
