The Son of Man “Lifted Up” in John’s Gospel (3) - All The LORD is near Daily Devotionals for 2024

"And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself." This He said, signifying by what death He would die.
John 12:32-33

The Son of Man "Lifted Up" in John's Gospel (3)
This is the third and final reference to the Son of Man being lifted up in John's Gospel (see 3:14; 8:28). This statement comes in response to a desire of some Greeks to "see Jesus" (12:21). The Son of Man must first be glorified through His death on the cross (v. 23). The hour, however, was drawing near in which He would be glorified, and the Lord was "troubled" by the thought of it—blessed Lord Jesus! Then we get a statement that has perplexed some: "And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself." Does this mean that all people will be saved as a result of Christ's death on the cross? Some indeed have used this verse as a pretext to teach the false doctrine of universalism.

This can be understood in two ways. First, in John there is a special emphasis on Christ's mission to the whole world, . He had "other sheep" that were not of the "fold" of Judaism (Jn. 10:16). On the other hand, in Matthew, Mark, and Luke His mission is presented as more exclusively dealing with the Jewish people (Mt. 10:5-6). The all peoples in our text is referring to the fact that God's purpose was to save not only the Jews but also people from all nations. He is the attractive center for all, not just Israel.

Secondly, all people will be drawn to God in judgment because the Son of Man was lifted up: "every knee should bow" (Phil. 2:10). Indeed, the Lord had just said, "Now is the judgment of this world" (Jn. 12:31). Whether in judgment or in salvation, God will be glorified through the lifting up of the Son of Man on the cross. Have you bowed the knee to Him as Lord? Then let us also bow the knee to Him in worship today!

Brian Reynolds