How should John 12:34 influence our conversations about Jesus' identity with others? The verse in focus “Then the crowd replied, ‘We have heard from the Law that the Christ will remain forever. So how can You say that the Son of Man must be lifted up? Who is this Son of Man?’” (John 12:34) What we notice in the crowd’s response • They know Scripture and expect an eternal Messiah (Isaiah 9:7; Psalm 110:4). • They stumble over “the Son of Man must be lifted up,” missing the prophecy of the cross (Isaiah 53:5; Numbers 21:9 with John 3:14). • Their question reveals confusion about Jesus’ identity, yet their words open a door for clarification. Guidelines for our conversations about Jesus’ identity • Begin with what people already know – Affirm any accurate understanding of Scripture they bring. – Like Jesus, build from familiar Messianic promises to deeper truth (Luke 24:27). • Clarify “Son of Man” and “Christ” together – Show Daniel 7:13-14: the Son of Man receives everlasting dominion. – Explain that “lifted up” (John 12:32) refers to the cross, resurrection, and exaltation, not a contradiction of eternal reign but the pathway to it (Philippians 2:8-11). • Hold the whole counsel of Scripture – The crowd focused on forever reigning verses; balance them with suffering-servant prophecies (Psalm 22; Isaiah 53). – Present both aspects so listeners see one harmonious picture instead of apparent contradictions. • Point to the literal, historical cross – Jesus’ physical death and resurrection are the pivot of His revealed identity (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). – Emphasize that His lifting up literally happened, validating every promise of eternal kingship. • Invite honest questions without surrendering truth – The crowd asked “Who is this Son of Man?” Jesus did not rebuke inquiry; He answered by teaching (John 12:35-36). – Encourage dialogue, yet keep Scripture as the final authority (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Practical steps when sharing 1. Read John 12:32-36 aloud so people hear Jesus’ own words in context. 2. Trace “Son of Man” titles from Daniel 7 to Jesus’ applications in John. 3. Walk through prophecies of Messiah’s eternal reign, then immediately through prophecies of His suffering. 4. Connect the cross to the crown: He had to be lifted up to lift us up (2 Corinthians 5:21). 5. Conclude with the resurrection’s proof that Jesus truly “remains forever” (Revelation 1:17-18). Outcome we seek By modeling John 12:34’s scenario, we gently correct misunderstandings, honor every verse, and present Jesus as both the suffering Savior and the everlasting King—guiding others to a fuller, biblically grounded confession of His true identity. |
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