Just prior to these two verses, Jesus says, “Whoever obeys my word will never see death.” After resorting to name calling again, the Jews Jesus is talking with finally ask a pertinent question: Who does Jesus think he is?
At this they exclaimed, “Now we know that you are demon-possessed! Abraham died and so did the prophets, yet you say that whoever obeys your word will never taste death. Are you greater than our father Abraham? He died, and so did the prophets. Who do you think you are?’
John 8: 52-53
There are actually two important questions here: The first is, “Who is Jesus?” The second question is, “What does he mean by death?” In John 3:3 where Jesus is talking with Nicodemus we here him saying, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.” And then he explains, “Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit.” So which is more important?
Jesus is not stupid. He knows that the flesh dies and that he himself will be put to death. He also knows who he is: The Son of God, Creator of the Universe, Author of Life. His goal in coming to earth is to make it possible for people to be “born again” with a spirit that will be capable of eternal life.
Q: Who do you say Jesus is?
He is the Son of God, Son of Man, Messiah, and eternal Word. He is my savior and Lord.
This is true!!! – Amen!!!!