196. Jesus' Validity Questioned

Deuteronomy 18:17-22, John 8:13-30

Key Verse: So Jesus said, "When you have lifted up the Son Of Man, then you will know that I am (the One I claimed to be), and that I do nothing on my own but speak just what the Father has taught me."

John 8:28

Nicodemus had asked: "Does our law condemn anyone without first hearing him to find out what he is doing?" (John 7:51) It's hard to understand the true sequence of events here. It would appear, however, that after the guards refused to take Jesus away from the assembly and after Nicodemus had appealed to the law, challenging the rulers to give Jesus a hearing of some sort, the rulers rejoined the worship service which was in progress to hear the claims that Jesus was making about Himself.

The Pharisees’ main challenges seemed to be these. Do you have valid proof that you are what You claim to be? (John 8:13) From where do You originate? (John 8:19) Why can't we follow you? (John 8:22) Who are you really? (John 8:25)

In fairness to the leadership, while they may appear to be combative, they are now doing what Moses had called them to do in the law. As the leaders of the Jews, they had an awesome responsibility to guard the faith. They were fully aware of their own history in which their forefathers had wandered off to follow whatever and whoever pleased them. They had paid dearly for their folly.

Now, this man Jesus has come into their lives, once again at the Feast, claiming to be water that will prevent thirst and light that will bring eternal life! He is being a distraction to the planned worship. If He is a false prophet, He must be exposed. Unfortunately, Jesus knows that these men are not really seeking truth, but just going through the motions so as not to be accused later of not being fair. They have already concluded that He is a fraud, thus, He chooses not to treat them as true enquirers, but as the opponents that He knows them to be.

Do you have valid proof that you are what You claim to be? In the law, "One witness is not enough to convict a man accused of any crime or offense he may have committed. A matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses." (Deut. 19:15) Jesus had already dealt with this issue after healing the paralytic. (John 5:33-47) He need only repeat, "My Father also testifies to my validity."

"Ah, but who is your Father?" This may have been a derogatory comment meant to emphasize Jesus' questionable earthly parentage. Yet Jesus replies, "If you knew Me, you would also know who my Father is," choosing to ignore the slight. John really brings out the point, in his gospel, that Jesus and the Father are one. We will see this theme revisited again and again.   

"Why can't we follow You?" Jesus answers, because you are sinners. It is interesting that the Pharisees think that Jesus is talking about committing suicide rather than talking about their own deaths which is the natural consequence of their sinful nature.

Finally, "No, really, who are You??" Again, Jesus' answer is unsatisfactory, to them. "When I am lifted up, you'll know." We know, with our post Easter understanding, that Jesus is referring to His crucifixion in which He was lifted up on the cross, but the Pharisees have no idea what Jesus is talking about. Even if Jesus had said plainly, "In about six months, you will have me crucified by the Romans and then you'll know who I am." They would have still rejected His words because Messiah was not supposed to receive such treatment. Messiah is conqueror. To them, Jesus would have been talking words of defeat which, to their minds was more blasphemy.

We can wonder, what is the relevance of this to us today? Yet, this passage ends with the words, "Even as He spoke, many put their faith in Him." (John 8:30) Jesus was obedient to the commission God had given him. And so with us, as we obey the Great Commission, even if we are persecuted for it, you just never know the fruit born of obedience.

Hymn: "Lift High the Cross"