Jesus as God
When the Son of Man Is Lifted Up, You Will Know I Am
John's 'lifting up' language joins crucifixion with exaltation and revelation.
How this passage contributes to the case:
The labels below identify the kinds of evidence for Jesus' divinity found in this passage.
Select a label for an explanation.
Strength of evidence: Strong.
This passage provides substantial evidence relevant to Jesus' divine identity when read in its literary and historical context.
Scripture
What Was Said or Done
Jesus says that when the Son of Man is lifted up, his hearers will know that 'I am.'
Historical and Cultural Context
Isaiah's divine self-identification language and Daniel's Son-of-Man imagery form the principal background.
Old Testament Background
Isaiah 43:10; Daniel 7:13-14 are important backgrounds.
Exposition
The absolute ego eimi appears again, now linked to the revelatory significance of Jesus' crucifixion and exaltation.
Why This Points to His Divinity
The passage contributes to a deliberate sequence culminating in John 8:58 rather than standing as an isolated proof.
Response of the Hearers
Many believe in Jesus as he speaks.