ISB ~ John 1 v51

ascending and descending:An allusion to Jacob’s dream in Gen 28:11-15.

• Jacob dreamed of a ladder spanning heaven and earth that enabled the angels to pass in and out of the world. Moved by the experience, he renamed the place where he slept “the house of God” and “the gate of heaven” (Gen 28:17). Jesus puts himself in the center of this vision, claiming that (1) he is the place where heaven touches

down to earth;(2) he is the true house of God; and (3) he is the mediator through whom the angels exercise their ministry. See notes on Jn 2:19 and Heb 1:14. the Son of man: Alludes to the heavenly figure of Dan 7:13. See topical essay: Jesus, the Son of Man at Lk 17.