LIFT UP JESUS THE CHRIST AND HE WILL DRAW THE PEOPLE TO HIMSELF

Proclamation:

“And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.”  John 12:32 (NIV)  “And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.”  John 12:32 (KJV)

Explanation:

These words were spoken by Jesus, The Christ, and recorded by the Apostle John under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  In this chapter, John begins the recording of the last seven days in the earthly life of Jesus.  After He had raised Lazarus from the dead, the chief priests and the Pharisees came together plotted to kill Jesus and Lazarus. (John 12:9-11)  After He entered Jerusalem riding on a young donkey with the people shouting “Hosanna,” Jesus predicted His own death. (John 12:12-19 and 23-26)  Then He told the crowd how He was going to die. (John 12:32-33) 

Application:

The Roman solders nailed Jesus to a cross and then lifted Him up physically.  Today, we can praise His name publicly and lift Him up figuratively, and He will draw the people unto Himself.  His death on the cross and His subsequent resurrection has been spread throughout the world through the preaching of the gospel and large numbers of people have come to believe in Him.  Those who believe will be saved, and those who reject Him will be lost. (John 12:44-48)