Christ Lifted Up

“And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me. This He said, signifying what death He should die.” (John 12: 32-33)

Jesus knew that He would die on the cross of Calvary. He also knew that His being lifted up and dying on the cross would draw all men to Him. Some would be drawn out of necessity, knowing that His cure is the only cure for sin. Others might be drawn out of cynicism, finding fault with the claim that His way was/is the only way. Still others perhaps are drawn from simple curiosity.

He has been lifted up on the cross. As He said to Nicodemus in that night-time visit long ago, “As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.” (John 3:14-15)

Not only was He lifted up on the cross, He was lifted up from the grave in resurrection power. He has been lifted up to the Father’s right hand where He makes intercession for us. He is lifted up in the lives of dedicated believers. He is lifted up in the preaching and teaching of Jesus.

For men to be drawn to Jesus, He and He alone must be lifted up: not the churches or the church buildings, not the music, not the programs, not the fellowship, not the pastor nor staff, just Jesus. It has been said, “What we win people with is what we win them to.”