John 12:31-32
Now is the judgment of this world; now will the ruler of this world be cast out. And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Jesus declares that his impending death is not a defeat but the decisive moment ("crisis") where the world's allegiance will be determined, and Satan, its current "prince," will be dethroned. This "casting out" signifies the beginning of Satan's irreversible decline and the establishment of God's kingdom.
Jesus has just heard a voice from heaven affirming His identity, and realizing that His hour of suffering is at hand, He declares that this moment marks a decisive turning point where the world's ruler will be overthrown. He's not just talking about His imminent crucifixion, but about how His death will ultimately break Satan's hold on humanity and begin to establish God's kingdom on earth. This pivotal moment, initiated by His sacrifice, will ultimately draw all people to Him.
Jesus declares 'Now is the judgment of this world.' What does 'judgment' mean here, and why is it happening now?
In this moment, Jesus isn't talking about the final, end-times judgment. Instead, he's pinpointing a critical turning point – a 'crisis' in the original Greek. This is the decisive moment when the spiritual battle for this world reaches its peak.
A Spiritual Turning Point
Jesus calls Satan the 'prince of this world.' What does this title mean, and how is his power broken?
The title 'prince of this world' was a common way to refer to Satan, highlighting his significant influence and authority over the world's systems and people living in disobedience. However, Jesus declares that this ruler is about to be 'cast out.'
The Undoing of Satan's Rule
Understand the original words
krisis · Greek Noun
A legal or moral decision, verdict, or separation that brings condemnation or vindication; in the New Testament, it often refers to God's ultimate decision regarding humanity's relationship with Him.
archōn tou kosmou · Greek Noun
A title or description for the devil, indicating his temporary, usurped authority over the fallen world system that operates in opposition to God's kingdom.
ekballō · Greek Verb
To be expelled, cast out, or thrown away with force; in this context, it signifies the defeat and loss of the devil's authority over humanity.
hypsōō · Greek Verb
Used by Jesus as a double-entendre referring to his crucifixion (being physically raised on the cross) and his subsequent glorification (exaltation to the Father).
Jesus' declaration of 'now' points to his imminent death and resurrection as the decisive turning point where Satan's power over humanity would be broken, initiating a spiritual judgment and the establishment of God's kingdom.
c. 33 AD— this verse
Jesus' Final Week in Jerusalem
Jesus enters Jerusalem triumphantly, teaches in the Temple, and faces increasing opposition from religious leaders. This culminates in his arrest, trial, and crucifixion.
c. 30-33 AD
Jesus' Ministry and Growing Opposition
Jesus' public ministry, marked by miracles and teachings, attracts large crowds but also provokes hostility from the Jewish authorities who see him as a threat.
c. 33 AD
The Crucifixion of Jesus
Jesus is crucified by the Romans, an event viewed by his followers as the pivotal moment of God's plan to redeem humanity and defeat evil.
c. 33 AD
The Resurrection of Jesus
Jesus is raised from the dead, affirming his divine identity and validating his claims, providing hope and a foundation for his followers' faith.
This foundational promise directly foreshadows the conflict and ultimate victory of humanity's Seed over the serpent's power, echoing the 'casting out' of the ruler of this world described in John.
Luke 10:18Jesus' triumphant declaration that He saw Satan fall 'like lightning' as His disciples went out points to the immediate impact of His ministry and the beginning of Satan's dethronement.
Colossians 2:15This passage reveals how Christ, through His death and resurrection, disarmed and triumphed over the spiritual powers that opposed Him, directly fulfilling the 'casting out' of the world's ruler.
1 John 3:8John the Apostle echoes Jesus' words, stating that the Son of God appeared to destroy the works of the devil, reinforcing the idea that Jesus' mission was to dismantle Satan's kingdom and authority.
Revelation 12:10-11This vision of Satan being cast down from heaven is a powerful apocalyptic confirmation of the victory Jesus proclaimed at His crucifixion, showing the accuser defeated by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony.
barnesJohn 12:31: "Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out."
Now is the judgment of this world - Greek: "crisis." This expression, doubtless, has reference to his approaching death, and whatever he means by judgment here relates to something that was to be accomplished by that death. It cannot mean that then was to be the time in which the world was to be finally judged, for he says that he did not come then to judge the world John 12:47 ; John 8:15 , and he…
vincentJohn 12:31: "Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out."
The prince of this world (ὁ ἄρχων ροῦ κόσμου τούτου)The phrase occurs only in the Gospel; here, John 14:30; John 16:11.Shall be cast out (ἐκβληθήσεται ἔξω)In every case but one where the word ἐκβάλλω occurs in John, it is used of casting out from a holy place or society. See John 2:15; John 9:34, John 9:3; 3 John 1:10; Revelation 12:2. Compare John 10:4.
Jesus declares that his impending death is not a defeat but the decisive moment ("crisis") where the world's allegiance will be determined, and Satan, its current "prince," will be dethroned. This "casting out" signifies the beginning of Satan's irreversible decline and the establishment of God's kingdom.
Jesus has just heard a voice from heaven affirming His identity, and realizing that His hour of suffering is at hand, He declares that this moment marks a decisive turning point where the world's ruler will be overthrown. He's not just talking about His imminent crucifixion, but about how His death will ultimately break Satan's hold on humanity and begin to establish God's kingdom on earth. This pivotal moment, initiated by His sacrifice, will ultimately draw all people to Him.
Jesus has just heard a voice from heaven affirming His identity, and realizing that His hour of suffering is at hand, He declares that this moment marks a decisive turning point where the world's ruler will be overthrown. He's not just talking about His imminent crucifixion, but about how His death will ultimately break Satan's hold on humanity and begin to establish God's kingdom on earth. This pivotal moment, initiated by His sacrifice, will ultimately draw all people to Him.
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c. 40s-50s AD
Early Spread of the Gospel
The apostles begin to preach the message of Jesus' death and resurrection, leading to the formation of early Christian communities across the Roman Empire.
c. 60s AD
Writing of the Gospels
The Gospels, including John's, are written to record Jesus' life and teachings, preserve the accounts of his death and resurrection, and instruct believers.
"Now is the judgment of this world; now will the ruler of this world be cast out. And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.”" — Jesus declares that his impending death is not a defeat but the decisive moment ("crisis") where the world's allegiance will be determined, and Satan, its current "prince," will be dethroned. This "c…
