Why do they crucify Christ? Perhaps above all else, it is because he claims divine status. According to the Law, this is blasphemy, a crime punishable by death. But here is the point — in the eyes of the Jewish authorities, Jesus is self-evidently guilty. Indeed, in today’s Gospel, we see this dynamic clearly. As he speaks with them, they ask, ‘Are you greater than our father Abraham?… Who do you claim to be?’ (John 8:53).

The question of Jesus’ claimed identity is crucial for them and for us. Good people do not make a claim to divine status; sane people do not make such a claim. In response to the authorities’ question, Jesus makes a shocking claim: ‘Very truly, I tell you, before Abraham was, I am.’ With their suspicions confirmed, they pick up stones to kill him (John 8:58-59).

Many today do not believe that Jesus is the Son of God. They say he was a good man, a wise teacher. This cannot be so. If he is indeed only a man, then his claims are delusional and wicked. There is but one defence for such a claim, and that is truth (c.f. C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity).

When it comes to the person of Jesus, I cannot sit on the fence. I find myself forced to choose between faith and repudiation. But how can I know? I see the signs that Jesus worked and continues to work through his disciples. I hear the wisdom of his teaching and judge that they are not the ramblings of a madman, but truth and light. But above all, it is his resurrection that verifies his claims.

Jesus will indeed die for his words. There is only one who can witness to their truth: ‘It is my Father who glorifies me.’ (John 8:54).

 by Fr Michael Grace