[. . .] that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth [. . .]
(Philippians 2:10)
Later Jesus said to them again, “I am going away. You will search for me but will die in your sin. You cannot come where I am going.”
The people asked, “Is he planning to commit suicide? What does he mean, ‘You cannot come where I am going’?”
Jesus continued, “You are from below; I am from above. You belong to this world; I do not. That is why I said that you will die in your sins; for unless you believe that I am who I claim to be, you will die in your sins.”
“Who are you?” they 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. And the one who sent me is with me—he has not deserted me. For I always do what pleases him.” Then many who heard him say these things believed in him. (John 8:21–30 NLT)
Jesus knew about his death.
This passage takes place in all likelihood at least a year prior to his crucifixion in John 19, and Jesus is already telling his followers he will be lifted up on a cross. As normalized as it is in our modern Christian subculture to talk about dying to self and being crucified in Christ, it was not at all normal during the first century to talk about death by crucifixion. This was a death of criminals.
Jesus knew he was holy.
He talks about being separated from the rest of us for a unique purpose given by God. After telling them again and again to follow him, he tells his followers they cannot come where he is going. His journey must diverge from theirs, for his purpose is higher.
Jesus knew his audience.
He tells them they are a sinful people. He also says their sins will be with them until their deaths, that no sacrifices at the Temple – no fasting, tithing, prayer, or other religious deeds – could clean the stain of sin from their hands and hearts.
Jesus knew he is the answer.
He says their death in their sins can only be avoided through belief in him. Paul describes it this way: “There is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death” (Romans 8:1–2).
Jesus knew everyone, in the end, would understand who he truly is.
There were those who heard Jesus speak and teach who would come to believe in him. But there were also those who would refuse to acknowledge Jesus as the Christ, the Son of Man who came to save and redeem the world, until the very end of days. Ultimately, though, every knee bows at the throne of grace upon which Jesus reigns.
Jesus knew all this, and more.
How much do we know? If we are being honest with ourselves and others, we have significant gaps in our knowledge about even the things we consider ourselves to be experts on. We would be wise to recognize our deficiency and acknowledge Christ’s supremacy in all things.
Michael Benson is the communications director for the North American Baptist Conference.