In what ways can we "lift up" Jesus in our daily lives? Our Key Verse John 12:32: “And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw everyone to Myself.” Seeing the Picture - In John 12, Jesus speaks of His coming crucifixion—He will literally be lifted up on the cross. - Yet the call continues beyond Calvary: believers are to magnify, exalt, and make Him visible in every sphere of life (cf. John 3:14; Philippians 2:9-11). What “Lift Up” Looks Like Today - To lift up Jesus is to give Him public, honored place. - It is to set Him high in our thoughts, words, decisions, and relationships so others can see Him clearly (Matthew 5:16). Ways to Lift Up Jesus with Our Words - Speak His gospel plainly (Romans 1:16). - Share personal testimonies of His grace (Psalm 66:16). - Offer encouragement rooted in Scripture, not mere sentiment (Colossians 3:16). - Refuse gossip or coarse talk, choosing speech that “gives grace to those who hear” (Ephesians 4:29). Ways to Lift Up Jesus with Our Actions - Demonstrate sacrificial service—choosing the towel over the throne (John 13:14-15). - Practice integrity at work and school (Colossians 3:23). - Show kindness to “the least of these” (Matthew 25:40). - Delight in obedience, even when no one is watching (John 14:15). Ways to Lift Up Jesus in Relationships - Extend forgiveness quickly, mirroring His mercy (Ephesians 4:32). - Pursue reconciliation when conflict arises (Matthew 5:23-24). - Honor marriage and family as God designed (Hebrews 13:4). - Treat every person as an image-bearer, opposing partiality (James 2:1-4). Ways to Lift Up Jesus in Private - Start and end the day in the Word (Psalm 119:105). - Pray with expectancy, “casting all your anxiety on Him” (1 Peter 5:7). - Guard the mind—choose media and entertainment that glorify Him (Philippians 4:8). - Cultivate thankfulness; gratitude exalts the Giver (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Ways to Lift Up Jesus in Public Worship - Gather faithfully with the church (Hebrews 10:24-25). - Sing and speak truth that centers on Christ’s finished work (Colossians 3:16-17). - Celebrate baptism and the Lord’s Supper as living sermons of the gospel (1 Corinthians 11:26). - Use spiritual gifts to edify the body, not spotlight self (1 Peter 4:10-11). A Daily Pattern of Lifting Up Jesus Morning — Acknowledge His lordship: “This day is Yours.” Midday — Re-orient through Scripture or a hymn, lifting your heart. Evening — Review the day, praising Him for every evidence of grace and confessing any failure to exalt Him. Psalm 34:3: “Magnify the LORD with me; let us exalt His name together.” |
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