Scripture to Read: John 12:31–33
Jesus wanted the people with Him to know what He was about to go through; so, we read in John 12:31–33, “Now judgment is upon this world; now the ruler of this world will be cast out. 32 And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to Myself.” 33 But He was saying this to indicate the kind of death by which He was to die. What Jesus communicated with the people was that Satan and death were going to be completely defeated by Him as He was going to take the judgment of the world on Himself on the cross and overcome it. God gives us a beautiful picture in Colossians 2:14–15 of what Christ did through the cross. We read in Colossians 2:14–15, having canceled out the certificate of debt consisting of decrees against us, which was hostile to us; and He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. 15 When He had disarmed the rulers and authorities, He made a public display of them, having triumphed over them through Him. When Jesus spoke those words in John 12:31–32, He wanted the people to know what He was about to do for them and the entire human race. Jesus spoke of being lifted up. The verb used for “lifted” means both an elevation (raised up on a cross) and exaltation (raised in honor). Jesus made sure the people knew that He would draw all people to Himself when He was “lifted” (elevated and exalted) on the cross.
Challenge & Application
• From what God taught you today, why did Christ need to be “lifted” up and crucified?
• What did Jesus promise He would do if He were “lifted” up, and why is this so important to know?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!