Jesus and the Jews

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Jesus knew who He was and what He was about to do.  The time was nearing in which He would be crucified, and on the third day rise again.  Shortly thereafter He would ascend into Heaven.  Because of sin, many could not go to where Jesus was going.  Jesus taught the Jews that He was from above; they were from beneath.  By not believing in Him, they would die in their sins.

The Jews asked who Jesus was. Jesus all along revealed Himself to them in words, actions, miracles, etc.  Sadly they still did not believe Him.  Jesus then began to hint at His relationship with His Father, saying that “He who sent Me is true; and I speak to the world those things which I heard from Him (John 8:26).”

No, the Jews did not understand about the Father.  After all, if one saw Jesus he would see the Father (John 14:9).  Since they truly did not “see” Jesus, they did not “see” God.

Jesus went on to tell them that there would come a time in which they would know who He was:  when they would “lift up the Son of Man (John 8:28).”  Yes, when He died on the cross, was buried, and rose again the third day, many began to say:  “Truly this Man was the Son of God (Mark 15:39 e.g.)!”

Even though at this time some only saw Jesus, He was not alone.  The Father was with Him (John 8:29).  Jesus always sought to please His Heavenly Father, and His Father was right there at His side.

Do we see Jesus the same way as the Jews?  Do we believe that He is the Christ, the Son of God?  Are we willing to repent of our sins so we can be where He is?

If we truly “see” Him, we “see” the Father.  By confessing Him, obeying the gospel, and living the faithful Christian life, we can always be with Him.  Thus, like Christ, we must always seek to please our Heavenly Father.