A study of John 8:21 reveals two worlds and the result of rejecting the one from above, the coming crucifixion, and the obedience of Jesus and increase of his followers.

A study of John 8:21 reveals two worlds and the result of rejecting the one from above.

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. (ESV, John 8:23-24)

In John 8:14, Jesus spoke to the Pharisees about going away and again in V.21. He adds they won’t be able to find or follow him, but will die in their sin. The Greek word for “sin” in V.14 is hamartía and means to miss the mark. It describes our moral failure to meet God’s righteous standard. And Jesus uses the singular form to indicate the specific sin that prevents them from following him. Unbelief.

Why is Jesus leaving? Because of his coming death, burial and resurrection. And he gets even more specific with a bit of urgency in V.24. Unless they believe he is who he says is, they will die in their sins. Here, he uses the plural form, and It clarifies both their condition as residents of the world below and the solution Jesus offers. Sin separates them from God but belief in Jesus provides eternal life through the forgiveness of sin.

Although Jesus spoke to the Pharisees, his words apply to us as well. We receive eternal life by believing in Jesus as the Son of God. Otherwise, we die in our sins and cannot follow him to heaven.

A study of John 8:21 reveals the coming crucifixion…

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. (ESV, John 8:28)

The Pharisees couldn’t imagine themselves not going to heaven. After all, they were experts on the Old Testament Law. Respected as the elite religious leaders among Israel. If they didn’t go to heaven would anyone? And they probably considered Jesus a lunatic. Full of crazy talk about him from the world above and them from the world below. And where could he possibly go they couldn’t? So, perhaps, with a shrug and wink at each other, they suggested maybe he planned to commit suicide. That was definitely not something they would follow.

But then, he talked even crazier about being lifted up, which made no sense at all. Because the Messiah they expected was a conquering king who would overthrow the Roman empire and establish his kingdom on earth. Although it was also something Jesus said before.

And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life. (ESV, John 3:14-15)

The saying was tied to the story in Numbers 21:8-9 when Moses lifted up a bronze serpent as the antidote to poisonous snake bites. Unfortunately, the Pharisees didn’t make that connection either. But they surely knew about Isaiah 53 that prophesied of a suffering servant. It pictured Jesus as an innocent lamb who would sacrifice his life on a cross. It was God’s plan to free mankind from sin.

A study of John 8:21 reveals the obedience of Jesus and increase of his followers.

 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. (ESV, John 8:29-30)

Jesus ends by repeating that he acts according the father’s authority. He says the words the father gives him and perfectly obeys the father’s will. Therefore, the father’s presence never leaves him because he is untainted by sin. And he is always in complete agreement and oneness with the father. Something that is beyond our human experience.

This is why we need Jesus as an intercessor. He is the only one unblemished by sin and that qualifies as a pure sacrifice. As Believers who follow Jesus, we are forgiven of our sins. But will still be plagued by them on this earth. However, as Paul writes, we will one day leave them behind.

The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (ESV, 1 Corinthians 15:56-57)

Although the Pharisees rejected Jesus, there were people in the crowd who believed in him. And the same is true today. Those who believe in Jesus are forgiven of their sins. Those who don’t will die in them. And we all make one of those choices.

About Chip Tudor:

Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview. This blog is originally published here.

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