John 8:22

So the Jews began to ask, "Will He kill Himself, since He says, 'Where I am going, you cannot come'?"

Study Bible

So the Jews began to ask
This phrase indicates a reaction from the Jewish leaders or people present during Jesus' discourse. The Greek word for "Jews" here is "Ἰουδαῖοι" (Ioudaioi), which in the Gospel of John often refers to the Jewish authorities or those opposed to Jesus. Historically, this reflects the tension between Jesus and the religious leaders of His time, who frequently misunderstood or challenged His teachings. Their questioning shows a lack of spiritual insight and a focus on earthly interpretations.

Will He kill Himself
The question posed by the Jews reveals their misunderstanding of Jesus' statement. The Greek verb "ἀποκτείνω" (apokteinō) means "to kill" or "to put to death." In the cultural and historical context, suicide was considered a grave sin, and the Jews' question may have been sarcastic or mocking, suggesting that Jesus' words were nonsensical or indicative of despair. This reflects their spiritual blindness and inability to grasp the deeper, spiritual meaning of Jesus' mission and destiny.

since He says
This phrase introduces the reason for their question, pointing back to Jesus' previous statement. The Greek word "λέγει" (legei) means "he says" or "he speaks," emphasizing the authority and intentionality behind Jesus' words. The Jews are fixated on the literal interpretation of His statement, missing the spiritual truth He is conveying.

‘Where I am going, you cannot come’
This statement by Jesus is profound and layered with meaning. The Greek phrase "ὅπου ἐγὼ ὑπάγω" (hopou egō hypagō) translates to "where I am going." Jesus is speaking of His return to the Father, His ascension, and ultimately, the heavenly realm. The inability of the Jews to follow Him "you cannot come" (οὐ δύνασθε ἐλθεῖν, ou dynasthe elthein) highlights their spiritual separation from God due to unbelief. This phrase underscores the necessity of faith in Christ to access eternal life and the presence of God. It serves as a call to recognize Jesus as the way to the Father, a theme that is central to the Gospel of John.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jesus
The central figure in this passage, Jesus is speaking to the Jews about His divine origin and destiny.

2. The Jews
This term refers to the Jewish leaders and people who were questioning Jesus' statements and authority.

3. Jerusalem
While not explicitly mentioned in this verse, the events of John 8 take place in Jerusalem, a significant location for Jewish religious life.

4. The Temple
The broader context of John 8 includes Jesus teaching in the temple courts, a place of worship and learning.

5. The Discourse on Spiritual Blindness
This event is part of a larger discourse where Jesus addresses spiritual truths and the misunderstanding of His mission.

Teaching Points

Misunderstanding of Jesus' Mission
The Jews' question reveals their misunderstanding of Jesus' spiritual mission. They interpret His words through a worldly lens, missing the spiritual truth.

Spiritual Blindness
This passage highlights the spiritual blindness of those who do not recognize Jesus as the Messiah. It serves as a reminder to seek spiritual discernment through prayer and study of the Word.

The Importance of Context
Understanding the context of Jesus' statements is crucial. This passage encourages believers to study Scripture holistically, considering historical and cultural backgrounds.

Eternal Perspective
Jesus speaks of a destination beyond this world. Believers are reminded to focus on eternal life and the hope of being with Christ.

The Danger of Assumptions
The Jews assumed Jesus was speaking of physical death. This warns against making assumptions about spiritual matters without seeking God's wisdom.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the misunderstanding of Jesus' words by the Jews reflect common misconceptions about His mission today?

2. In what ways can we ensure that we are not spiritually blind to the truths of Jesus' teachings?

3. How does understanding the context of Jesus' statements in John 8 help us interpret His message accurately?

4. What steps can we take to maintain an eternal perspective in our daily lives?

5. How can we guard against making assumptions about spiritual truths without seeking guidance from Scripture and prayer?

Connections to Other Scriptures

John 7:34
Jesus previously tells the Jews that they will seek Him but not find Him, indicating a separation between His divine mission and their earthly understanding.

John 13:33
Jesus again tells His disciples that where He is going, they cannot come, emphasizing His unique path to the Father.

Proverbs 14:12
This verse speaks to the way that seems right to a man but leads to death, paralleling the Jews' misunderstanding of Jesus' words.

Isaiah 55:8-9
God's ways and thoughts are higher than ours, reflecting the Jews' inability to comprehend Jesus' divine mission.