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Jesus Speaks About His Death (John 8:21-30)

Jesus knows that he is speaking to his most hostile audience. This is why he doesn't speak directly and obviously right here. Most of the time, Jesus doesn't say, "you will die in your sin." In this case, Jesus must have an insight into the hearts of the people he's talking to.

Jesus mentions again that he is not from the earth, but that he has come from heaven. This of course sounds absurd to the hearers, but Jesus tells the truth, even if it is in a strange way. Jesus is again speaking about his special relationship to the Father. Jesus always does and says what is pleasing to the Father.
Jesus mentions being "lifted up," and this reminds us of his conversation with Nicodemus in chapter 3. Jesus will be lifted up on the cross to die. He will rise again, and ascend into heaven. That's why his questioners here won't be able to find him. Remember also that "Son of Man" comes from the prophecy of Daniel. It's a divine title. Jesus is not hiding anything, but we have to be able to hear and see in a spiritual way.

There must have been a gift of grace for some of the people, because it says that many believed, when Jesus said these things. It's the same for us: if God is giving us the grace to believe these unique spiritual sayings from Jesus, we have an opportunity to fully receive what he is saying. Even if other people think we are crazy, people thought Jesus was crazy as well.
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