Understanding John 8:40: A Reflection on the Dual Nature of Jesus Christ, with Rafael Arevalo

Before Abraham was, "I AM"

Does John 8:40 say Christ is not God?

Let's look at John 8:40 and its context to understand the message better. And by the way, Most of our INC Friends didn't take their scriptures seriously, most of the time they used just some few Cherry picked verses to recognize their doctrine that never align in easy Church History Standards.

John 8:40 reads -

 

"But now ye seek to kill me, a man that hath told you the truth, which I have heard of God: this did not Abraham."

In this verse, Jesus is addressing the Pharisees who are disputing His teachings and questioning His authority. When Jesus refers to Himself as a "man," He is acknowledging His humanity. It's important to remember that Jesus Christ is both fully divine and fully human, a core belief in Christianity known as the hypostatic union.
His statement in John 8:40 doesn't negate His divinity; rather, it emphasizes His incarnation, the truth of Him being born as a human to teach, suffer, and provide a way for salvation through His atonement. Also, throughout the Gospel of John, Jesus repeatedly affirms His divine nature, especially in statements where He uses "I am," echoing God's self-identification in Exodus 3:14.

In the broader context of John 8, Jesus is engaging in a complex and often confrontational dialogue with the Jewish leaders of His time, particularly the Pharisees. This conversation is central to understanding the dual nature of Jesus as both divine and human.

Key Points in John 8

• Jesus’ Teachings and Claims: Throughout John 8, Jesus makes several profound teachings and claims about His identity. For example, in John 8:12, He claims to be the "light of the world," a statement that carries deep spiritual significance and points to His divine role.
• Challenge from the Pharisees: The Pharisees challenge Him repeatedly, questioning His testimony and authority. This conflict highlights the disbelief and hardness of their hearts despite the clear signs and teachings Jesus provides.
• Jesus’ Divine Nature: One of the most powerful affirmations of His divinity in this chapter is found in John 8:58, where Jesus says, "Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am." This statement uses the specific term "I am," which directly references God’s self-identification to Moses in Exodus 3:14, thereby asserting His eternal existence and divine nature.
• Accusations and Responses: Throughout the chapter, Jesus responds to accusations and questions not only by affirming His teachings but also by pointing to His relationship with His Father, God. This further cements the doctrine of the Trinity and His divine status.

Theological Implications
In Latter-day Saint theology, understanding the nature of Christ as both divine and mortal is essential. It underscores the Atonement's power, His understanding of our human conditions, and His role as our advocate with the Father. We believe that through Jesus Christ, all mankind may enjoy eternal life and exaltation.
The Gospel of John is designed to testify of Jesus Christ's divinity and mission. Each chapter, including the interactions and discourses like those in John 8, is structured to deepen our understanding of His divine attributes and the salvation He offers.

Who's the audience and their belief?
In John 8, the primary audience that Jesus is speaking to consists mainly of the Pharisees, along with other Jews who were present in the temple at Jerusalem. Understanding the beliefs and perspectives of these groups helps to contextualize the interactions recorded in the chapter:

The Pharisees were a prominent religious sect within Judaism during the time of Jesus. They were known for their strict adherence to the Law of Moses and the oral traditions that accompanied it. They believed firmly in the importance of observing religious rituals and laws to maintain purity and righteousness.

Key Beliefs of the Pharisees:

• Adherence to the Law: They emphasized strict observance of the law, including ceremonial cleanliness, tithing, and Sabbath observance.
• Belief in the Afterlife: Unlike the Sadducees, another Jewish sect, the Pharisees believed in the resurrection of the dead and in the existence of angels and spirits.
• Authority of Oral Tradition: They held that oral traditions, passed down from their elders, were authoritative alongside the written Scriptures.

The Broader Jewish Audience
In addition to the Pharisees, Jesus' teachings in the temple would have attracted a broader Jewish audience. This group would have varied in their adherence to and understanding of Jewish laws and traditions, influenced by their social, cultural, and economic backgrounds.

General Beliefs of the Broader Jewish Audience

• Expectation of a Messiah: Many Jews of the time were awaiting a Messiah who would deliver Israel from Roman rule and restore the kingdom to its former glory.
• Monotheism: A foundational belief in one God, which made discussions about Jesus’ nature especially provocative and controversial, as claims of divinity were seen through the lens of strict monotheism.

Interaction and Conflict
The interactions in John 8 illustrate a significant conflict between Jesus and the Jewish leaders, particularly over His identity and authority. Jesus challenges their interpretations and applications of the law, pointing to a deeper, spiritual understanding that often confounded or angered them.

Understanding this audience and their beliefs helps us see why Jesus’ teachings in John 8 were both revolutionary and contentious, leading to deep divisions among His listeners.

Why did he said "A man"?
In John 8:40, when Jesus says, "But now ye seek to kill me, a man that hath told you the truth, which I have heard of God," it's essential to consider the context and the dual nature of Jesus Christ as both divine and human. Here are a few reasons why Jesus might have emphasized His humanity in this statement:

1. Affirmation of His Humanity. Jesus was born as a mortal man, and part of His earthly mission was to experience life as humans do, including suffering, temptation, and pain. By identifying Himself as a man, He affirms His solidarity with the human condition, highlighting that He truly understands our struggles and can empathize with us.
2. Emphasis on His Role as a Messenger. By stating that He is a man who has told the truth heard from God, Jesus emphasizes His role as the Messiah and a prophet, sent by God to teach, guide, and ultimately provide a way for salvation through His atonement. This role required Him to be both divine (to atone for sins) and human (to experience mortality).
3. Counteracting Misunderstandings. In the broader dialogue with the Pharisees, Jesus frequently needed to clarify His identity and mission. By referring to Himself as a man in this context, He might be addressing potential misunderstandings or misrepresentations about His claims, ensuring that His listeners understand that His teachings are not His own but are messages from God.
4. Defusing Accusations. At this point in the Gospel of John, the Pharisees were seeking ways to accuse and discredit Jesus. By presenting Himself as a man who speaks God's truth, Jesus highlights the irrationality and injustice of their efforts to kill Him, thus pointing out their inconsistency with the Law and the prophets they claim to follow.
5. Establishing Credibility. Identifying Himself in human terms could also make His message more accessible and credible to His audience, many of whom might find it easier to initially accept teachings from a "man" rather than claims of direct divinity which could be more challenging to grasp or accept immediately.

In LDS theology, acknowledging both the divine and human aspects of Jesus Christ is crucial. His divinity makes the Atonement effective, and His humanity makes His empathy and sacrifice deeply personal and relatable.

Does it said about his divinity or about his human nature?

In the original Greek text of John 8:40, the emphasis is predominantly on Jesus' human nature, as He identifies Himself explicitly as "a man" (ἄνθρωπος, anthrōpos). This term is commonly used in Greek to refer to a human being, highlighting His humanity. The mention of His divinity in this specific verse is more implied through His relationship with God, from whom He has heard the truth. Thus, in this verse, while the focus is more on His human nature, His divine aspect is subtly indicated by His unique communication and relationship with God.

Biblical Context

John 8:40 is situated in a passage where Jesus is engaged in a heated dialogue with the Jews. The discussion revolves around His teachings and His claim of being the light of the world. In the face of mounting opposition and skepticism about His claims, Jesus uses this moment not only to affirm His human nature but also to subtly imply His divinity.

The Human Nature of Jesus

In this verse, Jesus directly addresses His human nature by stating, "But now you seek to kill me, a man who has told you the truth which I heard from God". The Greek word used here for "man" is ἄνθρωπος (anthrōpos), which straightforwardly refers to a human being. This acknowledgment serves a crucial purpose—it connects Him with His audience on a human level and highlights His incarnation. This declaration is essential for establishing His credibility and relatability; He is not an abstract deity but a real, tangible person sharing in the earthly experiences of those around Him.

The Implied Divinity

While the explicit focus of John 8:40 is on Jesus' humanity, the divine aspect shines through the very nature of His statement. By asserting that He has "heard from God," Jesus sets Himself apart from ordinary prophets. Prophets typically declare "thus says the Lord," reflecting a message received from God. In contrast, Jesus speaks of direct audial reception from God, indicating a unique, personal relationship with the Divine. This not only hints at His divine nature but escalates Him above the role of a mere messenger to that of the Son, uniquely privy to God's voice in a familial sense.

Theological Significance

The duality of Jesus' nature as highlighted in John 8:40 is a cornerstone for Christian theology. The doctrine of the Hypostatic Union explains this as the concept of Jesus Christ being both fully God and fully man. This union is mysterious and profound, forming the basis of many doctrinal teachings about redemption, atonement, and reconciliation. As a man, Jesus could truly represent humanity; as God, He could enact a perfect and complete salvation.

Conclusion

The exploration of John 8:40 reveals the intricate dance between the divine and the human in the person of Jesus Christ. This verse challenges believers to recognize and reflect on the profound mystery of the Incarnation—God stepping into history as a man not only to teach but to transform. In this recognition, Christians find the basis for their faith, the assurance of their salvation, and a model for their own lives in relation to God and each other.

This reflection on John 8:40 provides a glimpse into the complex, yet beautiful nature of Jesus, urging believers to delve deeper into understanding and appreciating the fullness of His being—both divine and human.

And for additional resources, I compiled a contextual summary of John 8 for you to study -

John 8 is a compelling chapter in the New Testament, filled with teachings, confrontation, and insights into Jesus Christ’s identity and mission.

Opening: woman caught in adultery (John 8:1-11). Jesus is teaching in the temple when the scribes and Pharisees bring to him a woman accused of this sin, attempting to test Him to see whether He will contradict the Law of Moses which prescribed stoning for such an offense. In response, Jesus challenges them with the famous line, “He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her” (John 8:7). As her accusers depart one by one, Jesus addresses the woman, neither condemning her nor ignoring her sin, telling her, "Go, and sin no more” (John 8:11), emphasizing forgiveness and repentance.

Proclamation: Following this, Jesus proclaims Himself as “the light of the world” (John 8:12), promising eternal life to those who follow Him, drawing a stark contrast between spiritual blindness and enlightenment. The Pharisees dispute His testimony, leading to a profound theological dialogue about Jesus’s authority and relationship with God the Father. He underscores the validity of His testimony, backed by His Father (John 8:14-18).

Opposition: Tensions escalate as Jesus speaks more directly about His heavenly origin and destiny, discussing His return to the Father and the Pharisees’ inability to follow (John 8:21-30). The conversation then shifts to a broader theological discourse about Abraham and the lineage of the Pharisees. Jesus challenges their claims of being Abraham’s children by pointing out their failure to act as Abraham did, aspiring instead to kill Him, a man revealing the truth He received from God (John 8:37-40).

Christ's Existence with the Father: The discourse reaches a climax when Jesus asserts, “Before Abraham was, I am” (John 8:58), echoing God’s self-identification in the Old Testament and claiming divinity, which incites the Pharisees to attempt to stone Him, though He miraculously escapes (John 8:59).

Structurally, John 8 intricately weaves themes of sin, forgiveness, truth, and identity, portraying Jesus as the divine bringer of light and life, while also exposing the spiritual blindness and hostility He faced from the religious leaders of the time. This chapter is critical for understanding the nature of Jesus’ ministry and His challenge to both societal norms and religious orthodoxy.