And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus' promise here isn't just about His eventual ascension; it's that His "lifting up" – His crucifixion and resurrection – will be the very force that draws people to Him. It’s the paradox that His apparent defeat on the cross is actually the supreme act of attraction, a divine magnet that pulls all humanity toward Himself.
And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus is grappling with the immense sorrow and impending suffering of His crucifixion, even praying for deliverance while acknowledging it's His Father's will. In this pivotal moment, He declares that His impending "lifting up"—a reference to His death on the cross, resurrection, and ascension—will not be an end but a powerful act that draws all people to Himself, ultimately defeating the "prince of this world." This announcement directly follows a voice from heaven affirming His divine authority and anticipates the misunderstanding of the crowd, setting the stage for His ultimate victory and universal appeal.
Jesus speaks of being 'lifted up' and immediately connects it to drawing all people. What does 'lifted up' really mean here?
When Jesus says "if I am lifted up," He's not just talking about the physical act of being raised on the cross. This phrase is rich with meaning:
Beyond the Wooden Beam
Jesus declares He will 'draw all people' to Himself. This isn't a gentle suggestion, but a powerful, cosmic force.
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The word Jesus uses for 'draw' (helkúō) is a strong one. It speaks of an irresistible pull, a divine magnet at work.
A Universal Attraction
Understand the original words
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' words about being 'lifted up' point directly to His crucifixion, but also encompass His resurrection and ascension, signifying the pivotal moment when His atoning sacrifice would become the universal drawing power for all humanity.
c. 27-30 AD
Jesus' Ministry
Jesus Christ conducted His public ministry in Roman Judea, teaching, healing, and gathering disciples. This period was marked by growing opposition from religious leaders.
c. April 7, 30 AD
Jesus Enters Jerusalem
Jesus made His triumphal entry into Jerusalem, fulfilling prophecy and drawing large crowds. This event intensified the conflict with the authorities.
April 7, 30 AD— this verse
Jesus Predicts His Death
Jesus spoke of His impending death and glorification, expressing inner turmoil but submitting to God's will. He foretold His 'lifting up' would draw all people to Him.
April 7, 30 AD
Voice from Heaven
A divine voice from heaven affirmed Jesus' identity and mission, further solidifying the significance of His upcoming sacrifice.
April 7, 30 AD
Jesus' Crucifixion
Jesus was arrested, tried, and crucified, being 'lifted up' on the cross as He had predicted. This event is central to Christian theology.
April 9, 30 AD
Jesus' Resurrection
Jesus was raised from the dead on the third day, conquering death and validating His claims and sacrifice.
c. 40-50 AD
Early Spread of the Gospel
Following Jesus' ascension, the apostles began to preach the gospel, drawing people from various backgrounds, including Gentiles, to faith in Christ.
This passage describes the suffering servant being 'numbered with the transgressors,' which parallels Jesus being 'lifted up' on the cross between two criminals, drawing all to himself through his sacrifice.
Numbers 21:9Just as Moses lifted up the bronze serpent in the wilderness and all who looked upon it were healed, Jesus' lifting up on the cross offers salvation to all who believe and look to Him.
Genesis 49:10This prophecy speaks of Shiloh (a Messianic title) to whom 'shall belong the obedience of the peoples,' directly reflecting Jesus' statement that when lifted up, He will draw all people to Himself.
Psalm 22:27This psalm foretells that 'all the ends of the earth shall remember and turn to the LORD,' aligning with Jesus' promise to draw 'all people' to Himself from every nation when He is lifted up.
John 3:14-15Jesus directly references the 'lifting up' of the Son of Man, echoing the Old Testament imagery of the serpent and connecting it to His own death as the means by which 'everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.'
vincentJohn 12:32: "And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me."
Be lifted up (ὑψωθῶ)See on John 3:14. The primary reference is to the cross, but there is included a reference to the resurrection and ascension. Bengel says: "In the very cross there was already something tending towards glory." Wyc., enhanced.From the earth (ἐκ τῆς γῆς)Literally, out of the earth.Will draw (ἑλκύσω)See on John 6:44.All men (πάντας)Some high authorities read πάντα, all things.Unto Me (προ…
calvinJohn 12:27-33: "Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour."
- Now is my soul troubled, and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour; but for this cause came I into this hour. 28. Father, glorify thy name. Then came a voice from heaven, I have both glorified and will glorify it again. 29. Therefore the multitude, who were there, and heard it, said that it thundered. Others said, An angel spoke to him. 30. Jes…
Jesus' promise here isn't just about His eventual ascension; it's that His "lifting up" – His crucifixion and resurrection – will be the very force that draws people to Him. It’s the paradox that His apparent defeat on the cross is actually the supreme act of attraction, a divine magnet that pulls all humanity toward Himself.
Jesus is grappling with the immense sorrow and impending suffering of His crucifixion, even praying for deliverance while acknowledging it's His Father's will. In this pivotal moment, He declares that His impending "lifting up"—a reference to His death on the cross, resurrection, and ascension—will not be an end but a powerful act that draws all people to Himself, ultimately defeating the "prince of this world." This announcement directly follows a voice from heaven affirming His divine authority and anticipates the misunderstanding of the crowd, setting the stage for His ultimate victory and universal appeal.
Jesus is grappling with the immense sorrow and impending suffering of His crucifixion, even praying for deliverance while acknowledging it's His Father's will. In this pivotal moment, He declares that His impending "lifting up"—a reference to His death on the cross, resurrection, and ascension—will not be an end but a powerful act that draws all people to Himself, ultimately defeating the "prince of this world." This announcement directly follows a voice from heaven affirming His divine authority and anticipates the misunderstanding of the crowd, setting the stage for His ultimate victory and universal appeal.
"And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.”" — Jesus' promise here isn't just about His eventual ascension; it's that His "lifting up" – His crucifixion and resurrection – will be the very force that draws people to Him. It’s the paradox that His…
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Last reviewed October 2026