Jesus From Above:

Context:

• Jesus claims to be the light of the world.
• Jesus claims there is a way to avoid walking in darkness.
• Jesus claims that knowing the Father is possible.
• Now Jesus starts talking about His future, and His listeners future.

John 8:21-24 “...So he said to them again, “I am going away, and you will seek me, and you will die in your sin. Where I am going, you cannot come.” So the Jews said, “Will he kill himself, since he says, ‘Where I am going, you cannot come’?” He said to them, “You are from below; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world. I told you that you would die in your sins, for unless you believe that I am he you will die in your sins...”

Why will people die in their sin?

• Rejecting the One who offers salvation is a deadly mistake, a grave sin.
• There is a difference between this world and the place where Jesus is going.
• The only escape from death is to believe in the Jesus from above.

Is it possible to believe in Jesus and die in sin?

• Did the Pharisees believe in a Messiah, but miss something?

Is it possible to profess a belief in a Jesus, but not believe in the Jesus from above?

John 8:25-26 “...So they said to him, “Who are you?” Jesus said to them, “Just what I have been telling you from the beginning. I have much to say about you and much to judge, but he who sent me is true, and I declare to the world what I have heard from him...”

Why did the Jews ask “Who are you”?

• Jesus had said the only escape from death was to believe in Him.
• They didn’t know Him.

What does it mean “to know Him”?

How is “knowing Him” different than “knowing about Him”?

What important declaration did Jesus make in reply to the Jews “Who are you” question?

• Jesus had been expressing Himself from the beginning.
• Jesus had much more to say, and much to judge.
• Jesus claimed to have been sent by the One who is true.
• He declared that He had heard from the One who is true.

John 8:28-29 “...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...”

When did Jesus say things would be better known?

• When He was lifted up.

What would be better known?

• The reason for His death.
• The reason for His willingness to go to the cross.

Why is it easier for us to understand these words of Jesus than for the listeners at the time the words were spoken?

• Perspective.

How do things we don’t currently understand become more understandable with time?

• Worldly perspective is extremely limited.
• Heavenly perspective is difficult to grasp prior to the completion of the events “...that are pleasing to him...”
• We must listen carefully to heavens explanations, then walk by faith, not by sight.

2 Corinthians 5:7 “...for we walk by faith, not by sight...”

2 Corinthians 5:9 “...we make it our aim to please him...”