Expository Thoughts On John - JOHN 8:21-30
J.C. Ryle expounds on John 8:21-30 to reveal Jesus' divine origin, the necessity of believing in Him to avoid dying in sin, and the assurance of salvation through faith in the Son of Man.
In this expository sermon on John 8:21-30, J.C. Ryle explores the profound declarations of Jesus about His divine origin and mission. Ryle highlights the urgent call to believe in Jesus as the Christ to avoid dying in sin and emphasizes the unity between the Father and the Son. Through careful exposition, he encourages listeners to deepen their faith and understanding of salvation through Christ.
Text
Then Jesus said to them again, "I am going away, and you will look for me but will die in your sin. Where I am going you cannot come." So the Jewish leaders began to say, "Perhaps he is going to kill himself, because he says, ‘Where I am going you cannot come.’" Jesus replied, "You people are from below; I am from above. You people are from this world; I am not from this world. Thus I told you that you will die in your sins. For unless you believe that I am the Christ, you will die in your sins."
So they said to him, "Who are you?" Jesus replied, "What I have told you from the beginning. I have many things to say and to judge about you, but the Father who sent me is truthful, and the things I have heard from him I speak to the world." (They did not understand that he was telling them about his Father.)
Then Jesus said, "When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am he, and I do nothing on my own initiative, but I speak just what the Father taught me. And the one who sent me is with me. He has not left me alone, because I always do those things that please him." While he was saying these things, many people believed in him.
This passage contains deep things, so deep that we have no line to fathom them. As we read it we should call to mind the Psalmist\
Sermon Outline
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I
- Jesus announces His departure and the consequence of dying in sin
- The Jewish leaders misunderstand Jesus’ statement
- Jesus contrasts His heavenly origin with their earthly nature
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II
- The necessity of believing Jesus is the Christ to avoid death in sin
- The Jewish leaders question Jesus’ identity
- Jesus declares His unity with the Father and His divine mission
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III
- Jesus speaks only what the Father has taught Him
- The Father’s presence and approval accompany Jesus’ work
- Many believe in Jesus as He speaks these truths
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IV
- The profound depth of Jesus’ words challenges human understanding
- Encouragement to meditate on the truths revealed
- Call to faith and recognition of Jesus as the Savior
Key Quotes
“You people are from below; I am from above. You people are from this world; I am not from this world.” — J.C. Ryle
“For unless you believe that I am the Christ, you will die in your sins.” — J.C. Ryle
“I do nothing on my own initiative, but I speak just what the Father taught me.” — J.C. Ryle
Application Points
- Recognize the necessity of faith in Jesus as the Christ to receive salvation.
- Trust in the unity and guidance of the Father and the Son in your daily walk.
- Meditate on the depth of Jesus’ words to grow in spiritual understanding.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Jesus mean by 'you will die in your sin'?
Jesus means that without faith in Him as the Christ, people remain under the judgment of sin and face eternal separation from God.
Why did the Jewish leaders misunderstand Jesus’ statement about where He was going?
They took His words literally and speculated He might be intending to kill Himself, not understanding His reference to His heavenly origin and ascension.
How does Jesus demonstrate His divine authority in this passage?
Jesus emphasizes that He speaks only what the Father has taught Him and that the Father is always with Him, affirming His divine mission and unity with God.
What is the significance of 'lifting up the Son of Man'?
It refers to Jesus’ crucifixion, through which people will come to recognize Him as the Messiah and receive salvation.
What practical lesson does this passage teach believers today?
It calls believers to trust fully in Jesus as the Christ and to live in the assurance of the Father’s presence and approval.