Jesus Predicts His Departure (John 8:21-29)
Scripture: John 8:21-29 (CSB)
"Then he said to them again, 'I’m going away; you will look for me, and you will die in your sin. Where I’m going, you cannot come.'
So the Jews said again, 'He won’t kill himself, will he, since he says, "Where I’m going, you cannot come"?'
'You are from below,' he told them, 'I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world. Therefore I told you that you will die in your sins. For if you do not believe that I am he, you will die in your sins.'
'Who are you?' they questioned.
'Exactly what I’ve been telling you from the very beginning,' Jesus told them. 'I have many things to say and to judge about you, but the one who sent me is true, and what I have heard from him—these things I tell the world.'
They did not know he was speaking to them about the Father. So Jesus said to them, 'When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am he, and that I do nothing on my own. But just as the Father taught me, I say these things. The one who sent me is with me. He has not left me alone, because I always do what pleases him.'"
In this passage, Jesus speaks to the religious leaders about His impending departure, hinting at His death, resurrection, and return to the Father. He tells them that they will look for Him but won’t find Him, and that unless they believe in Him, they will die in their sins. This is a stark warning, and it highlights the urgency of belief in Jesus as the way to salvation.
The religious leaders, however, are confused. They misunderstand Jesus’ words and question whether He’s talking about taking His own life. But Jesus clarifies their confusion by explaining the fundamental difference between Himself and them: He is from above, sent by the Father, while they are of this world, bound by sin.
Jesus also makes a profound prediction—when He is “lifted up” (referring to His crucifixion), they will realize the truth of who He is. This statement reflects the heart of the Gospel: through His death, the true identity of Jesus as the Son of God will be revealed to all. Despite the rejection He faces from the religious leaders, Jesus remains focused on doing the will of His Father, confident in His divine mission.
Key Lessons for Our Daily Lives:
The Urgency of Belief: Jesus’ warning to the religious leaders is clear: unless they believe that He is who He says He is, they will die in their sins. This message applies to us as well. Salvation comes through faith in Jesus alone. Have you placed your full trust in Jesus, believing in Him as the Savior of your life?
Jesus’ Heavenly Origin: Jesus tells the leaders that He is “from above,” while they are “from below.” This highlights the difference between God’s ways and the world’s ways. Are there areas in your life where you’ve been relying too much on worldly thinking rather than seeking God’s perspective? Reflect on how Jesus’ heavenly perspective can guide your decisions and priorities.
The Cross Reveals Jesus’ True Identity: Jesus foretells that when He is “lifted up” on the cross, His true identity will be made known. The crucifixion reveals not only Jesus’ sacrifice for our sins but also His divine mission as the Son of God. How does the reality of the cross shape your understanding of Jesus and His love for you?
Living to Please the Father: Throughout His ministry, Jesus constantly sought to do the will of His Father. He was obedient, even unto death. As followers of Christ, we are called to live in a way that pleases God. What steps can you take this week to align your actions with God’s will and live in a way that brings Him glory?
This passage reminds us of the importance of belief in Jesus and the incredible revelation of His true identity through the cross. Let us live with urgency and purpose, fully embracing the salvation He offers.
A Prayer for Today:
Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Jesus to show us the way to eternal life. Help us to fully believe in Him and trust in His sacrifice for our sins. Open our hearts to live according to Your heavenly ways, not the ways of this world. Guide us to walk in obedience, just as Jesus did, and give us the strength to always seek Your will. May we find our confidence in the cross and live each day with the assurance of who Jesus is. In His name we pray, Amen.