John 12:32-34
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. So the crowd answered him, “We have heard from the Law that the Christ remains forever. How can you say that the Son of Man must be lifted up? Who is this Son of Man?”
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Jesus's promise to "draw all people" isn't just about salvation; it highlights that his "lifting up" isn't solely his crucifixion but encompasses his ascension, from which he'll powerfully draw humanity. The word "draw" itself signifies a compelling, almost irresistible movement towards him, overturning the dominion of the "prince of this world."
Jesus has just heard a voice from heaven affirming God's glory, which causes a commotion among the crowd, some thinking it was thunder and others an angel. Jesus explains this divine affirmation was for their benefit, heralding the coming judgment of the world and the downfall of Satan's power. He then declares that his own future "lifting up" from the earth—referring to his crucifixion and subsequent exaltation—will be the means by which he draws all people to himself.
Jesus speaks of being 'lifted up,' but what does this profound phrase truly encompass? It’s more than just the physical act of crucifixion.
When Jesus says, 'if I am lifted up from the earth,' he’s not just talking about the cross. The word 'lifted up' (translated from the Greek hypsōthō) in John’s Gospel carries a rich meaning. While it primarily points to his crucifixion, it also powerfully includes his resurrection and ascension into heaven.
Think about it: the cross was the agonizing means, but the resurrection and ascension were the glorious outcomes. Jesus understood that even in his suffering, there was an inherent movement towards glory. It was the path to his enthronement, a place from which he would reign and from which he would draw all people to himself.
Jesus declares he will 'draw all people' to himself. What does 'all' really mean, and how does this drawing power work?
The promise that Jesus will 'draw all people' is a staggering one. It's not limited to a select few or a single nation. The original Greek word used for 'draw' () signifies a powerful, irresistible attraction, like a magnet. It speaks of a divine force that pulls humanity towards Christ.
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This drawing power isn't coercive; it's a moral and spiritual magnetism. It's accomplished through the influence of the Holy Spirit, who convicts, woos, and draws individuals into relationship with Jesus. This attraction is meant for all – every tribe, tongue, and nation. Even though not everyone will respond, the power emanating from the lifted-up Christ is intended for the entire world, offering salvation and a new way of life.
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).
Christos · Greek Noun/Adjective
The Anointed One, the promised Davidic King and Savior of Israel who was expected to fulfill Old Testament prophecies and establish God's reign on earth.
huios tou anthrōpou · Greek Noun phrase
A messianic title derived from Daniel 7:13-14, referring to the heavenly, eternal figure who receives authority from God to rule over all nations.
Jesus' statement about being 'lifted up' refers not just to His crucifixion but also to His subsequent ascension and the drawing power of His sacrifice, which transcends earthly limitations and is meant to attract all humanity.
c. 30 AD— this verse
Jesus' Final Entry into Jerusalem
Jesus makes a triumphant entry into Jerusalem, fulfilling prophecy and stirring both excitement and apprehension among the crowds and leaders.
c. 30 AD
Jesus Clears the Temple
Jesus disrupts the money changers and merchants in the Temple courts, an act of cleansing and a challenge to the religious authorities.
c. 30 AD
Greeks Seek to See Jesus
A delegation of Greeks approaches Philip, expressing a desire to meet Jesus, indicating the growing international attention on Him.
c. 30 AD
Jesus Speaks of His Glorification
In response to the Greeks and the growing tension, Jesus speaks of His impending 'lifting up,' His death, and its ultimate purpose.
c. 30 AD
A Voice from Heaven
A divine voice from heaven confirms Jesus' identity and mission, further solidifying the context of His approaching crucifixion.
c. 30 AD
Jesus Predicts His Death
Jesus explains that His impending death is the 'judgment of this world' and the casting out of Satan's power.
This prophecy speaks of a root of Jesse who will stand as an ensign for the peoples, to whom the Gentiles shall seek. This powerfully echoes John 12:32's promise that Jesus, when lifted up, will draw all people to Himself, signifying a universal gathering under His leadership.
Genesis 49:10The prophecy that the scepter shall not depart from Judah until Shiloh comes, and to Him shall be the obedience of the peoples, directly relates to Jesus' declaration that He will draw all to Himself. It points to a future ruler who will command the allegiance of all nations.
John 3:14Jesus previously referred to being 'lifted up' in the context of the bronze serpent in the wilderness. Here in John 12, He connects that 'lifting up' directly to drawing all people to Himself, reinforcing the idea that His sacrificial death is the means of universal salvation and attraction.
Colossians 1:20This verse states that through Christ, God was pleased to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, by making peace through the blood of his cross. This aligns perfectly with Jesus' statement in John 12:32 that His being lifted up would draw all to Himself, indicating a cosmic reconciliation through His sacrifice.
Acts 2:33Peter declares that Jesus, after being exalted to the right hand of God, has poured out the Spirit, which directly relates to Jesus' promise in John 12:32. The Spirit's work is the means by which Jesus draws all people to Himself.
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's promise to "draw all people" isn't just about salvation; it highlights that his "lifting up" isn't solely his crucifixion but encompasses his ascension, from which he'll powerfully draw humanity. The word "draw" itself signifies a compelling, almost irresistible movement towards him, overturning the dominion of the "prince of this world."
Jesus has just heard a voice from heaven affirming God's glory, which causes a commotion among the crowd, some thinking it was thunder and others an angel. Jesus explains this divine affirmation was for their benefit, heralding the coming judgment of the world and the downfall of Satan's power. He then declares that his own future "lifting up" from the earth—referring to his crucifixion and subsequent exaltation—will be the means by which he draws all people to himself.
Jesus has just heard a voice from heaven affirming God's glory, which causes a commotion among the crowd, some thinking it was thunder and others an angel. Jesus explains this divine affirmation was for their benefit, heralding the coming judgment of the world and the downfall of Satan's power. He then declares that his own future "lifting up" from the earth—referring to his crucifixion and subsequent exaltation—will be the means by which he draws all people to himself.
"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. So the crowd answered him, “We have heard from the Law that the Christ remains forever. How can you…" — Jesus's promise to "draw all people" isn't just about salvation; it highlights that his "lifting up" isn't solely his crucifixion but encompasses his ascension, from which he'll powerfully draw human…
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