“When you have lifted up the Son of Man.”

John 8:28-32, So Jesus said to them, “When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am he, and that I do nothing on my own authority, but speak just as the Father taught me. And he who sent me is with me. He has not left me alone, for I always do the things that are pleasing to him.” As he was saying these things, many believed in him.

Even though there were many who could not understand what he was saying, there were also those who received the gift of faith. They could not see what was coming, that indeed he would give his life for the sins of the world to be lifted up on a cross, to die, to be buried and to rise from the dead. We have the same promise, that when we abide in his word we are truly his disciples. “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

Thank you that you are indeed “the way, the truth and the life,” and that you freely gave your life to set us free from the power of sin and death forever. We rejoice!

ESV Lectionary