John 8:28
Certainly! Here is a Bible study on Verse: “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.” (John 8:28, KJV)
Context:To understand the significance of John 8:28, it’s important to consider its context. In this passage, Jesus is engaging in a discussion with the Jews who believed in Him. He speaks about His relationship with the Father, emphasizing His divine origin and purpose. Jesus is explaining that His teachings are not His own, but rather those given to Him by the Father.
“Lifted up the Son of man”:The phrase “lifted up” refers to Jesus’ crucifixion. It can have a dual meaning: both physical elevation on the cross and exaltation to glory. Jesus uses this phrase to foreshadow His impending crucifixion and resurrection. Through His death and resurrection, people would come to recognize His true identity and understand the message of salvation.
Knowing Jesus:Jesus tells the Jews that when they “lift up the Son of man,” they will come to know Him. Here, “know” implies a deeper understanding, acknowledging Jesus as the Son of God and the promised Messiah. It suggests that through witnessing the crucifixion and its subsequent events, including Jesus’ resurrection, people would have an opportunity to grasp the true nature of His divinity.
Jesus’ dependence on the Father:Jesus emphasizes His complete reliance on the Father. He states that He does nothing of Himself but speaks what the Father has taught Him. This declaration highlights the unity and harmony between Jesus and the Father. It also reinforces the divine origin of Jesus’ teachings, signifying that He is the Word of God made flesh.
Lessons for believers:This verse teaches believers about the importance of recognizing Jesus’ divinity and authority. It reminds us that Jesus’ words and teachings originate from God the Father. As followers of Christ, we should approach His teachings with reverence and submit to His authority. Moreover, this verse encourages humility and dependency on God, just as Jesus exemplified throughout His ministry.
Application:
- Seek a deeper understanding of Jesus:Reflect on the crucifixion, resurrection, and the message of salvation. Pray for God to reveal more of Himself to you as you study His Word.
- Embrace the authority of Jesus’ teachings:Read the Bible with a receptive heart, acknowledging that Jesus’ words are from the Father. Obey His commandments and apply His teachings to your life.
- Cultivate humility and reliance on God:Recognize your need for God’s guidance and wisdom in every aspect of your life. Seek to align your will with His, just as Jesus demonstrated His complete dependence on the Father.
Remember, studying the Bible is an ongoing process, and it is helpful to explore various commentaries and resources to gain a more comprehensive understanding of God’s Word.
