Fifth Sunday in Lent, commonly called Passion Sunday- John 8:46-59

At various times since the Middle Ages, the Fifth Sunday in Lent has been called Passion Sunday. In nineteenth-century Anglicanism, it became common to view the last two weeks of Lent as Passiontide, a time to highlight Christ's sufferings. During the early twentieth century, Lent V was designated Passion Sunday in some revisions of the Book of Common Prayer, including the 1928 American version. 

The traditional Gospel for Lent V is St. John 8:46-59. This passage is part of an extended discussion between Jesus and His Judean opponents on many issues, including the question of who He is. This passage reflects a rising tension and points to His rejection and suffering. Much of the tension is related to a dramatic increase in Jesus' claims about His identity. 

First, in St. John 8:46, there is an assertion of Christ's innocence as He asks who can convict Him of sin. This is a unique claim which cannot be ignored. Either Jesus is without sin or His claims are false. Those who hear this claim cannot remain neutral; they must agree or disagree.

Secondly, in John 8:51, Jesus asserts that those who follow Him will never see death. His opponents sense that claiming the capacity to deliver from death makes Jesus greater than Abraham and the prophets. If He can deliver from death, He is greater than all the patriarchs and prophets; if this claim is false, He must be rejected as a madman or charlatan.

Finally, in St. John 8:58, Jesus says, "Before Abraham was, I am." This is the greatest claim possible because in the context of the Hebrew Scriptures "I AM" is a name of God. Christ's opponents are incensed at what they consider blasphemy, and so they want to stone Him. Although it is not yet His time, this is an anticipation of Jesus' suffering and death for human salvation. Jesus confronts hearers with an ultimate choice. He claims to be God come among His people and asks to be accepted in faith. He leaves no room for lukewarm human admiration.

So, how does this passage apply to those who wish to follow Jesus Christ? Throughout the discussion, people are called to believe in Him. He offers grace and calls for faith. He delivers believers from death and offers true life. He asks for an acknowledgment of His great claims. He does not leave His hearers the option of viewing Him simply as a nice guy or an interesting teacher. To believe in Him means recognizing that He is innocent and that He is greater than the greatest examples from the preceding religious tradition. Indeed, true belief in Jesus Christ means accepting Him through grace as the eternal God who has come to earth as a true man to save us from our sins.