CHRIST SAID IF I BE LIFTED UP FROM THE EARTH

PROCLAMATION

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

 

EXPLANATION

These words are from the gospel, the good news regarding Jesus, The Christ, according to the Apostle John and written under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  In this chapter John begins the recording of the events surrounding the last seven days in the earthly life and ministry 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)  The next day He entered Jerusalem riding on a young donkey with the people shouting “Hosanna” as they placed palm tree branches on the road in front of Him. (John 12:12-18)  Many people wanted to meet Jesus and they approached His disciples with their requests.  When they told Jesus this, He replied to His disciples and predicted His own death. (John 12:20-26)  Then Jesus told the crowd how He was going to die and the results which would follow His death. (John 12:30-33) 

 

APPLICATION

Jesus, The Christ, said: “And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.”   (John 12:32)  Initially, the Roman soldiers lifted Him up.  The soldiers nailed Jesus to a cross while it was lying on the ground and then they lifted Him up physically so that the cross stood upright.  Today, we can praise His name publicly and lift Him up figuratively.  If we lift Him up, 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)  As believers, we just have to do our part.  So, lift Him up, lift The Savior up.

 

 

Lift Him Up

"But I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to Myself."  John 12:32 (NIV)   The King James Version reads: "And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me."

The Apostle John recorded this statement of Jesus as He spoke to His disciples regarding His impending death and the manner in which He would die.  He knew that He would die upon a cross, as opposed to being stoned as the religious leaders wanted to do.

This statement has meaning both literally and figuratively.  After He was nailed to the cross, they literally lifted Him up upon it, as they raised the cross from flat on the ground to an upright position, and planted the base of the cross into the earth.  Today we lift Him up figuratively by praising His name among men, and during our public and private worship sessions.  If, and when Christ is lifted up, He will draw men unto Himself.  Our job is to lift Him up.  After His death on the cross, as the gospel was preached and He was praised, thousands believed and became a part of The Church.  That is still occurring today.  As we lift up and praise His holy name, He is still drawing men and women to His Church.  Lift Him up!