John 8:28
So Jesus said to them, “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 authority, but speak just as the Father taught me.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The phrase "lifted up" isn't just about Jesus' crucifixion; it’s a clever double meaning that hints at his eventual ascension and exaltation. Jesus is foreshadowing that this act of seeming defeat will ultimately reveal his true divine identity and authority, proving he operates solely on his Father's instruction.
Jesus is responding to the disbelief and questioning of the Jewish authorities, who don't understand his origin or authority. He has just told them they are from below, while he is from above, leading to their confusion and rejection of his words. Jesus declares that his ultimate vindication will come through his crucifixion and subsequent exaltation, at which point they will finally understand who he truly is and the divine source of his teachings.
Jesus tells his opponents that their future actions will reveal a profound truth they currently reject. What was this ultimate act of rejection that would become undeniable proof?
Jesus connects his upcoming crucifixion to a future moment of knowing. He states, 'When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am he.'
A Future Revelation
The "lifting up" refers directly to his crucifixion. It's a stark contrast: those intending to humiliate and destroy him will, paradoxically, be the very ones to fulfill the prophecy that proves his identity.
Undeniable Evidence
This knowledge isn't about understanding Jesus's identity from his words alone, but through the events surrounding his death and resurrection. The commentators highlight that miracles during his death (like the earthquake and darkness), his resurrection, and the subsequent spread of the gospel would serve as undeniable proof of his divine mission and Messiahship. Even his enemies, in their ultimate rejection, would unknowingly participate in the very act that would confirm Jesus's claims.
In the face of accusations and rejection, Jesus makes a radical claim about the source of his words and actions. What does this reveal about his relationship with the Father?
Jesus declares, 'I do nothing on my own authority, but speak just as the Father taught me.' This isn't a statement of weakness, but of perfect divine unity and obedience.
Divine Partnership
This statement emphasizes that Jesus's mission and message are not self-generated. He operates in complete accord with the Father's will and teaching. The use of the past tense 'taught' signifies a continuous, foundational impartation of knowledge and instruction from the Father to the Son.
Authority Rooted in the Father
His authority doesn't stem from an independent source, but from his intimate relationship with the Father who sent him. The Father's ongoing presence and guidance ('He who sent me is with me. The Father has not left me alone') underscore this profound connection. Jesus's actions and words are a direct reflection of the Father's truth and will.
Understand the original words
huion tou anthrōpou · Greek Noun phrase
The title Jesus used for himself, rooted in Daniel 7:13-14, emphasizing both his humanity and his divine authority, pre-existence, and future role as the eschatological judge of all humanity.
hypsōsēte · Greek Verb
In the Fourth Gospel, this term is used with a double meaning: literally referring to the crucifixion of Jesus on the cross, and simultaneously pointing to his exaltation and glorification through that very act.
egō eimi · Greek Phrase
A divine name/title drawn from Exodus 3:14, where God identifies himself as the self-existent, eternal, and covenant-keeping Lord. Jesus uses this phrase to claim divine identity and oneness with the Father.
Jesus' words about being 'lifted up' point directly to his crucifixion, an event that, according to his own teaching, would serve as the ultimate proof of his divine identity and mission to his accusers.
c. 27-30 AD
Jesus' Public Ministry
Jesus begins his public ministry, teaching, healing, and gathering disciples, causing increasing tension with Jewish religious leaders.
c. 30-33 AD
Jesus' Confrontations with Religious Leaders
Jesus repeatedly confronts the religious authorities, challenging their traditions and authority, leading to plots against his life.
c. 30-33 AD
Jesus' Prediction of His Death
Jesus foretells his upcoming suffering, death, and resurrection multiple times to his disciples, which they struggle to understand.
c. 33 AD
Jesus' Arrest and Trial
Jesus is arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane, tried by the Jewish Sanhedrin, and subsequently by the Roman governor Pontius Pilate.
c. 33 AD
This passage directly links the 'lifting up' of the Son of Man to Jesus' death on the cross, fulfilling the prophecy from Numbers 21:8-9 where a bronze serpent was lifted up to heal those bitten by snakes. It reinforces the idea that Jesus' crucifixion, intended as an act of shame, would actually be the means of salvation and revelation.
Acts 2:36This verse, spoken after Pentecost, declares 'Therefore let all the house of Israel know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.' It shows the post-crucifixion knowledge Jesus promised, as the Holy Spirit empowered the disciples to reveal Jesus' true identity and authority.
Philippians 2:9-11This passage speaks of God exalting Jesus after his suffering and death, giving him a name above all names. It beautifully illustrates the 'lifting up' Jesus speaks of, not just his crucifixion, but his subsequent exaltation and universal recognition of his Lordship.
John 14:10Jesus states, 'Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own authority, but the Father who dwells in me does his works.' This directly echoes John 8:28, emphasizing Jesus' intimate unity with the Father and the divine origin of his words and actions.
Hebrews 1:1-3barnesJohn 8:28: "Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things."
When ye have lifted up - When you have crucified. See John 3:14 note; also John 12:32 note. The Son of man - See the notes at Matthew 8:19-20. Then shall ye know - Then shall you have evidence or proof. That I am he - Am the Messiah, which I have professed to be. And that I do nothing of myself - T…
vincentJohn 8:28: "Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things."
Lifted upSee on John 3:14.Ye shall know (γνώσεσθε)Render, perceive, here as in John 8:27.I am HeAs in John 8:24, on which see note.Of myself (ἀπ' ἐμαυτοῦ)Properly, from myself, as Rev., at John 7:17, but not here. See on John 7:17.Hath taught (ἐδίδαξεν)Rev., more correctly, taught. The aorist…
The phrase "lifted up" isn't just about Jesus' crucifixion; it’s a clever double meaning that hints at his eventual ascension and exaltation. Jesus is foreshadowing that this act of seeming defeat will ultimately reveal his true divine identity and authority, proving he operates solely on his Father's instruction.
Jesus is responding to the disbelief and questioning of the Jewish authorities, who don't understand his origin or authority. He has just told them they are from below, while he is from above, leading to their confusion and rejection of his words. Jesus declares that his ultimate vindication will come through his crucifixion and subsequent exaltation, at which point they will finally understand who he truly is and the divine source of his teachings.
Jesus is responding to the disbelief and questioning of the Jewish authorities, who don't understand his origin or authority. He has just told them they are from below, while he is from above, leading to their confusion and rejection of his words. Jesus declares that his ultimate vindication will come through his crucifixion and subsequent exaltation, at which point they will finally understand who he truly is and the divine source of his teachings.
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Crucifixion of Jesus
Jesus is crucified on Golgotha, fulfilling prophecies and his own predictions, an event he refers to as being 'lifted up'.
c. 33 AD
Resurrection of Jesus
Three days after his crucifixion, Jesus rises from the dead, providing ultimate proof of his identity and divine authority.
c. 33 AD
Pentecost and the Early Church
Following Jesus' ascension, the Holy Spirit empowers his followers, leading to the rapid growth of the early Christian church and further validation of Jesus' claims.
This text describes God speaking through the Son, whom He appointed heir of all things and through whom He also made the universe. It highlights that Jesus is the ultimate revealer of God, speaking exactly what the Father has taught him, just as he tells the Pharisees.
"So Jesus said to them, “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 authority, but speak just as the Father taught me." — The phrase "lifted up" isn't just about Jesus' crucifixion; it’s a clever double meaning that hints at his eventual ascension and exaltation. Jesus is foreshadowing that this act of seeming defeat…
