Lifted up to Save us
Rev. Charles Oppong-Poku | May 7, 2024 | John 8:25-30
KEY VERSE:
So Jesus said, "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, but speak just as the Father taught me. John 8:28 (NIV)
MESSAGE:
John uses a simple vocabulary to tell the story of Jesus in such a magnificent way. The term "lifted up" can mean to lift something up physically or it can mean to exalt. The latter use is more prominent in the New Testament and common usage. For John, however, the two meanings converge. In John 8:25-30, being "lifted up," foreshadows Jesus’ crucifixion and the salvation he would bring through his sacrifice. Jesus is glorified when he is nailed on the cross. While the cross typically represents shame, in Jesus' case, it became God's means of connecting with people's hearts.
This act of sacrifice demonstrates God's love for us and his desire to save us from sin and death. This act of sacrifice is central to the Christian faith, as we are saved through Jesus' death and resurrection. The lifting up of Jesus on the cross reveals the depth of God's love for us. Regrettably, many fail to grasp the wonders of this sacrificial love. Yet for those of us whom this display of grace has touched, it is God's power to cleanse and transform us. This passage invites us to reflect on the significance of Jesus' crucifixion and its implications for our salvation.
FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:
How does Jesus' sacrifice on the cross impact your understanding of God's love for you? In what ways does the crucifixion of Jesus confirm His identity as the Son of God? You need to respond to God's love and sacrifice with gratitude and obedience.
PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, thank you for the sacrifice of your Son, Jesus Christ, who was lifted up on the cross for my salvation. Help me to understand the depth of your love and to respond with gratitude and obedience. May I live my life in a way that honours the sacrifice made for me. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.
SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!
DAILY word study: LIFTED UP The Greek phrase for "lifted up" is "ὑψώσητε" (hypsōsete), derived from "ὑψόω" (hypsoō), meaning to elevate or exalt. Jesus foretells his crucifixion, which will be both a literal raising up on the cross and a spiritual exaltation, revealing his true nature and purpose to humanity.
Jesus connects his being lifted up with the revelation of his identity as the Messiah ("I am he") and his dependence on the Father ("I do nothing on my own"). Through his sacrificial death on the cross, Jesus demonstrates his obedience to the Father and fulfils the divine plan for salvation.
This statement illustrates the significance of Jesus' crucifixion in God's redemptive work. It serves as a pivotal moment in human history, where Jesus' obedience and love for humanity are fully displayed. Through his death and resurrection, Jesus offers forgiveness of sins and reconciliation with God to all who believe in him.
Reflections:
How does the crucifixion of Jesus impact our understanding of his identity and mission? How does it shape our response to his teachings and our relationship with God?
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