To read the texts click on the texts: Num21:4-9; Jn 8:21-30
The words which begin
today’s text continue the theme of Jesus’ departure begun in 8:14. Here, it is
his death, resurrection and ascension which will be the focus. Though God has
revealed himself in Jesus, the Jewish leaders have refused to recognize him.
This is the sin in which they will die. When Jesus speaks of his departure, he
is misunderstood. The Jewish leaders think of suicide, but Jesus speaks of
laying down his life of his own accord for the salvation of all. The reason why
they misunderstand is because they and Jesus stand on opposite sides. They are
from below and of this world, Jesus is from above and not of this world. If
they want to change their position, they can only do so by recognizing in
Jesus, God. The leaders are not able to do this and show that they have
completely misunderstood Jesus in the question they ask. Jesus affirms that he
has told them from the beginning who he is. He is the one sent by God and it is
God who affirms and confirms him.
When they “lift up” Jesus on
the Cross (which can also be translated as “exalt” and so mean resurrection and
ascension) then they will recognize him. This statement of being “lifted up” or
“exalted’ is the second of the three such statements in the Gospel of John. The
first appears in 3:14 and the third in 12:32-34. In these two cases because of
the use of the passive voice, the suggestion is that God will do the exalting.
It is only here that the responsibility for the “lifting up” is thrust on the
people. Thus, even as they crucify him, they will also exalt him and in this
act recognize him as the one who is. Even when on the cross Jesus will not be
alone because the Father will be with him.
Jesus’ words touch the
hearts of many who hear him and they come to believe.
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