John 8:22

“Then said the Jews, Will he kill himself? because he saith, Whither I go, ye cannot come.”

Context:John 8:22 is part of a larger conversation between Jesus and the Jews. In this chapter, Jesus is teaching in the temple, and the religious leaders and Pharisees are questioning Him and His authority. They are challenging His claims and trying to discredit Him.

Questioning Jesus:In this particular verse, the Jews misunderstand Jesus’ statement. Jesus had just said, “I go my way, and ye shall seek me, and shall die in your sins: whither I go, ye cannot come” (John 8:21, KJV). The Jews then question among themselves whether Jesus is talking about killing Himself.

Jesus’ statement:Jesus’ statement about going somewhere and the Jews not being able to come has a deeper spiritual meaning. He is referring to His upcoming death and ascension to heaven. Jesus came from the Father and was going back to the Father (John 16:28). He was going to fulfil His mission of salvation by dying on the cross and rising again, and then returning to heaven. The Jews, who did not believe in Him as the Messiah, would not be able to go where He was going, as they rejected Him.

Spiritual significance:This verse highlights the division between those who believe in Jesus and those who reject Him. Jesus is the only way to the Father (John 14:6), and those who reject Him cannot enter into the heavenly realm where He resides. The Jews’ lack of faith and rejection of Jesus prevented them from having a relationship with God and receiving eternal life.

• Application:As believers, we are called to have faith in Jesus Christ and accept Him as our Lord and Saviour. We can take comfort in knowing that through our faith in Him, we have the assurance of eternal life and access to the Father. It is essential to share the message of salvation with others, so they too can come to know Jesus and have a personal relationship with Him.