“And
I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.”
John 12:32
John 12 [27.] “Now my soul is troubled. What shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this time?’ But for this cause I came to this time. Father, glorify your name!”
Then there came a voice out of the sky, saying, “I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again.”
John 12 [29.] The multitude therefore, who stood by and heard it, said that it had thundered. Others said, “An angel has spoken to him.”
John 12 [30.] Jesus answered, “This voice hasn’t come for my sake, but for your sakes. Now is the judgment of this world. Now the prince of this world will be cast out. And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” But he said this, signifying by what kind of death he should die. The multitude answered him, “We have heard out of the law that the Christ remains forever.[a] How do you say, ‘The Son of Man must be lifted up?’ Who is this Son of Man?”
John 12 [35.] Jesus therefore said to them, “Yet a little while the light is with you. Walk while you have the light, that darkness doesn’t overtake you.
Footnotes:
a. John 12:34 Isaiah 9:7; Daniel 2:44 (but see also Isaiah 53:8).
Meaning:
This statement by Jesus occurs in the context of his discourse after entering Jerusalem prior to his crucifixion.
Time and Place: This statement comes during the final days of Jesus' earthly ministry, specifically after his triumphal entry into Jerusalem (John 12:12-20) and shortly before his crucifixion.
Audience: Jesus is speaking to a crowd that includes both Jews and Greeks (Gentiles) who were present for the Passover festival.
- Events Leading Up to John 12:32:
Triumphal Entry: Jesus had been welcomed into Jerusalem with people waving palm branches, recognizing him as the Messiah.
Predictions of His Death: Earlier in John’s gospel, Jesus had predicted his death and the significance of being "lifted up" (John 3:14; 8:28).
- Jesus’ Explanation:
Symbolism of Being "Lifted Up": The phrase "lifted up" refers to Jesus’ impending crucifixion on the cross. It carries both physical and spiritual meanings — physically lifted up on the cross and spiritually exalted in his death and resurrection.
Universal Invitation: Jesus declares that through his crucifixion, he will draw all people to himself. This emphasizes the inclusive nature of salvation through him, open to both Jews and Gentiles (all people).
Significance
- Salvation Through Jesus’ Sacrifice:
Redemptive Purpose: Jesus’ death on the cross is presented here as pivotal for humanity’s redemption. Through his sacrifice, Jesus offers salvation to all who believe in him (John 3:16).
Drawing All People: The phrase "draw all people" signifies the universal invitation to salvation. Jesus’ death would not only be a demonstration of God’s love (Romans 5:8) but also a means by which people from all nations and backgrounds can be reconciled to God (Ephesians 2:13-16).
- Fulfillment of Prophecy:
Old Testament Foreshadowing: Jesus’ statement echoes the prophecy of Isaiah 52:10, which speaks of God’s salvation reaching to the ends of the earth. The crucifixion and resurrection fulfill numerous Old Testament prophecies regarding the Messiah (Psalm 22:16-18; Isaiah 53).
- Response to Believers:
Faith and Response: Believers are called to respond to Jesus’ sacrifice by believing in him and accepting the salvation he offers. This is not merely intellectual assent but a surrender of heart and life to Jesus as Lord (Romans 10:9-10).
Theological Reflection
- Universal Appeal of the Gospel:
Inclusivity: The gospel of Jesus Christ is inclusive, inviting all people to come to him regardless of their ethnicity, social status, or background (Galatians 3:28).
Unconditional Love: Jesus’ willingness to be "lifted up" demonstrates God’s unconditional love for humanity, offering a way for reconciliation and forgiveness of sins (2 Corinthians 5:19).
- Cross as a Symbol of Hope:
Victory Over Sin: The cross, where Jesus was "lifted up," symbolizes victory over sin and death (Colossians 2:15). It is a central symbol of Christian faith, representing both suffering and triumph.
Practical Applications
- Evangelism and Mission:
Sharing the Gospel: Believers are called to share the good news of Jesus Christ with others, knowing that through his sacrifice, people can find forgiveness, healing, and eternal life.
Living as Witnesses: By living transformed lives and demonstrating Christ-like love and compassion, believers can draw others to Jesus (Matthew 5:16; 1 Peter 3:15).
- Unity in Christ:
Breaking Down Barriers: Jesus’ invitation to "draw all people" breaks down barriers and emphasizes the unity of believers in Christ. It calls for reconciliation and harmony among diverse people groups within the body of Christ (Ephesians 2:14).
Cross-References:
John 3:14-15: "As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." Jesus refers to his crucifixion as a means of salvation, drawing parallels to the bronze serpent in the wilderness during Moses' time.
Romans 5:18: "Therefore, as through one trespass, all men were condemned; even so through one act of righteousness, all men were justified to life." Paul emphasizes the universal impact of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross for humanity’s redemption.
Revelation 7:9: "After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude, which no man could number, out of every nation and of all tribes, peoples, and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, dressed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands." A vision of the future, showing people from all nations worshiping before God, fulfilled through Jesus’ sacrifice.
Conclusion: John 12:32 encapsulates Jesus’ mission and the universal invitation to salvation through his sacrificial death on the cross. It emphasizes God’s inclusive love for all people and calls believers to proclaim this message to the world. By understanding the significance of Jesus being "lifted up," we grasp the depth of God’s love and the hope of eternal life offered through faith in Christ. Let us respond to this invitation by embracing the gospel, living transformed lives, and sharing the good news with others.
PIB Scriptures are derived from the World English Bible