Jesus Will Be "Lifted Up"

Homily for Tuesday of the Fifth Week in Lent

To better understand the confrontation that takes place in these verses from chapter eight of St. John’s Gospel, it is helpful to remember two other passages from Scripture. The Jews ask Jesus, “Who are you?”

The question is the same that Moses asked of the voice that came from the burning bush. The answer that Moses received and the answer that Jesus gives the Jews who are questioning him are the same. “I AM.” By using the name by which God is revealed to Moses, Jesus identifies himself with the Father.

The other passage that helps us is from chapter three of St. John’s Gospel; namely, the meeting between Jesus and Nicodemus. Jesus tells Nicodemus that just as Moses lifted up a bronze seraph serpent, Jesus must be lifted up.

By referring to these two passages, the message that Jesus is preaching here is almost self-explanatory. Jesus is the son of God who will be lifted up and who will save those who place their faith in him through his death and resurrection.

St. John closes this passage by telling us that through these words many came to believe in Jesus. Those who refuse to believe, those who refuse to walk in the light of the world, a phrase by which Jesus identified himself in the verses immediately preceding today’s passage, will be left in darkness and will perish because of their lack of faith.

As we celebrate the Eucharist today, we are given the opportunity to recognize Jesus as the Son of God, the great “I AM,” as the one who was lifted up on the cross and subsequently lifted up into heaven to sit at the right hand of the Father.