John 12:32-33
And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” He said this to show by what kind of death he was going to die.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Jesus declares that His eventual "lifting up" – encompassing the cross, resurrection, and ascension – will be the means by which He draws all people to Himself. This signifies not just an invitation, but an irresistible, cosmic magnetism that will pull humanity from its earthly bondage towards God.
Jesus declares that His impending crucifixion and subsequent resurrection will draw all people to Him. This statement follows His expression of deep distress and a prayer to the Father, occurring after a voice from heaven confirmed God’s glory. By being "lifted up," Jesus signifies not just His death on the cross but His ultimate exaltation, which will establish His reign and draw humanity towards Himself, contrasting with the dominion of the "prince of this world."
Jesus says He will be 'lifted up.' This phrase, sounding like a fall, actually points to an ultimate glory. How can suffering and exaltation be linked so closely?
The Paradox of the Cross
Jesus uses the phrase "lifted up" to refer to His death on the cross. This might sound like a moment of defeat, but Jesus connects it directly to His power and drawing people to Himself. It's a profound paradox that His deepest humiliation is the source of His greatest glory and attraction.
Jesus declares He will draw 'all people' to Himself. What does 'all' truly mean in this context, and how does this divine drawing happen?
Universal Invitation, Personal Attraction
The promise that Jesus will "draw all people" is both a universal invitation and a deeply personal attraction. It's not a forceful coercion, but a powerful, irresistible pull that appeals to the deepest needs of humanity.
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' statement about being 'lifted up' wasn't just about the physical act of crucifixion, but a profound declaration of His power to draw all humanity—Jews and Gentiles alike—to Himself through His sacrificial death and resurrection, an event that was already unfolding during His final days in Jerusalem.
c. 27-30 AD— this verse
Jesus' Public Ministry
Jesus' public ministry, including His teachings, miracles, and growing conflict with religious authorities, reaches its climax in Jerusalem.
c. 27-30 AD
Jesus Enters Jerusalem
Jesus makes His triumphal entry into Jerusalem, heralded by crowds shouting 'Hosanna!' This event solidifies His public profile and intensifies the attention of both followers and opponents.
c. 27-30 AD
The Greeks Seek Jesus
A group of Greeks approaches Philip and Andrew, expressing a desire to see Jesus. This encounter is a significant sign of Jesus' drawing power beyond the Jewish people.
c. 27-30 AD
Jesus Speaks of His Death
In response to the Greeks' request and the growing tension, Jesus speaks directly about His impending death, likening it to a grain of wheat falling into the ground and dying to produce much fruit.
This verse prophesies that the ruler would come from Judah and that 'to him shall be the obedience of the peoples.' This directly foreshadows Jesus' claim that 'all people' will be drawn to Him when He is 'lifted up.'
Isaiah 11:10This passage speaks of a 'root of Jesse' (the Messiah) who will stand as a 'signal to the peoples,' and 'to him the nations shall inquire.' This echoes John 12:32, showing the universal draw of the Messiah, particularly to the Gentiles.
Numbers 21:8-9The Old Testament account of the bronze serpent lifted up in the wilderness, which healed those who looked at it, is directly alluded to by Jesus in John 3:14. This signifies that just as the serpent's elevation brought healing and life, Jesus' 'lifting up' on the cross would draw all people to salvation.
Philippians 2:9This passage describes God exalting Jesus to the highest place and giving Him a name above all names. This divine elevation is the very 'lifting up' Jesus speaks of, which empowers Him to draw all creation to Himself in recognition of His supreme authority.
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 declares that His eventual "lifting up" – encompassing the cross, resurrection, and ascension – will be the means by which He draws all people to Himself. This signifies not just an invitation, but an irresistible, cosmic magnetism that will pull humanity from its earthly bondage towards God.
Jesus declares that His impending crucifixion and subsequent resurrection will draw all people to Him. This statement follows His expression of deep distress and a prayer to the Father, occurring after a voice from heaven confirmed God’s glory. By being "lifted up," Jesus signifies not just His death on the cross but His ultimate exaltation, which will establish His reign and draw humanity towards Himself, contrasting with the dominion of the "prince of this world."
Jesus declares that His impending crucifixion and subsequent resurrection will draw all people to Him. This statement follows His expression of deep distress and a prayer to the Father, occurring after a voice from heaven confirmed God’s glory. By being "lifted up," Jesus signifies not just His death on the cross but His ultimate exaltation, which will establish His reign and draw humanity towards Himself, contrasting with the dominion of the "prince of this world."
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c. 27-30 AD
A Voice from Heaven
A voice from heaven declares God's glory has been shown and will be shown again, a divine affirmation of Jesus' mission, though not all who heard it understood its significance.
c. 27-30 AD
Jesus Predicts His Crucifixion
Jesus explicitly states that He will be 'lifted up' (a reference to His crucifixion) and that this act will draw all people to Himself, signifying the universal scope of His atoning sacrifice.
c. 30 AD
Crucifixion and Resurrection
Jesus is crucified and then resurrected, demonstrating His victory over death and fulfilling His promise to be 'lifted up' to draw all humanity to Himself through faith.
"And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” He said this to show by what kind of death he was going to die." — Jesus declares that His eventual "lifting up" – encompassing the cross, resurrection, and ascension – will be the means by which He draws all people to Himself. This signifies not just an invitatio…
