What Jesus Did! 'Lifted Up to Save Us' — John 8:25-28

Thursday, June 16, 2022

"Who are you?" [the people] demanded.

Jesus replied, "The one I have always claimed to be. I have much to say about you and much to condemn, but I won't. For I say only what I have heard from the one who sent me, and he is completely truthful." But they still didn't understand that he was talking about his Father.

So Jesus said, "When you have lifted up the Son of Man on the cross, then you will understand that I AM he. I do nothing on my own but say only what the Father taught me."

— John 8:25-28 NLT

Key Thought

John uses a simple vocabulary to tell the story of Jesus in such a magnificent way. The term "lifted up" can mean to physically lift something up or it can mean to exalt. The latter use is more prominent in the New Testament and in common usage. For John, however, the two meanings converge. Jesus is exalted when he is lifted up on the cross. Even though a cross was normally a place of shame, in Jesus' case it was God's way of reaching the hearts of people. Jesus does what he does because it is the Father's way of reaching people. Unfortunately, so many miss the wonders of this sacrificial love. Yet for those of us who have been touched by this display of grace, it is God's power to cleanse and transform us.

Today's Prayer

For your wondrous love, O God, I praise and thank you. For your incredible sacrifice, Lord Jesus, I praise you for your obedience and your love. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

4 Related Resources by Heartlight

Unless
Devo: A Year with Jesus
"Dear Searcher, There is only one message that you must hear today. This message is the one truth on which your eternal destiny pivots. So rather than..."
Handwritten Message from Heaven: I AM
Article by Phil Ware
Is Jesus claiming to be God? Phil Ware begins a series of messages on the "I AM" sayings of the Bible.
I AM: God's Handwritten Messages from Heaven - Bottom Line Faith
Article by Phil Ware
Some things you have to believe or you have nothing worth believing in! Phil Ware continues his series on I AM, God's handwritten messages from heaven and focuses on the bottom line faith requirement -- Jesus is God come in human flesh.
The Way of Jesus #5: Because of Love
Article by James Nored & Phil Ware
Why would the sinless Son give himself, surrender his life and his dignity, to save those who were ungodly, helpless, sinners, and enemies of God? James Nored and Phil Ware remind us that Jesus gave his life for us because of his love for us and his unwillingness to leave us in sin and how his love defined

Illustration

Illustration of John 8:25-28 NLT — "When you have lifted up the Son of Man on the cross, then you will understand that I AM he. I do nothing on my own but say only what the Father taught me."

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Thursday, June 16, 2022

Quotemeal
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
Quote by Pamela Reeve:
"Faith is realizing that I am useful to God not in spite of my scars but because of them."
Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Morning Thought: Colossians 2:6
"If we have received Christ himself in our inmost hearts, our new life will manifest its intimate acquaintance with him by a walk of faith in him...."
God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
'Made Holy in Every Way' (1 Th. 5:23)
"Now may the God of peace make you holy in every way, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again. "
Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'Selfishness Hinders Prayer' (Ja. 4:3)
"You ask [God for something] and do not receive it, because you ask with wrong motives [out of selfishness or with an unrighteous agenda], so that..."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

More What Jesus Did!