Why does John 12:32–33 emphasize “lifting up” as a means of drawing people, considering the historical context of crucifixion practices and Jewish expectations of a Messiah?

Historical Context of Crucifixion and Messianic Expectations

Crucifixion in the Roman world was a form of execution reserved primarily for slaves, rebels, and those deemed threats to the empire. The victim was often scourged before being nailed or tied to a wooden cross and lifted above ground level, making the event both visually prominent and psychologically intimidating. In the Jewish context, many anticipated a conquering Messiah who would establish a political kingdom and overthrow oppressive regimes (cf. Luke 24:21). A crucified Messiah, therefore, conflicted with prevailing expectations. The “lifting up” in John 12:32–33 underscores a surprising and paradoxical fulfillment of these hopes, shifting focus from a worldly seat of power to a sacrificial atonement that draws people spiritually.

Scriptural Basis for “Lifting Up”

John 12:32–33 in the Berean Standard Bible reads:

“‘And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to Myself.’ He said this to indicate the kind of death He was going to die.”

This statement builds on earlier references to “lifting up” in the Gospel of John. In John 3:14, Jesus says:

“Just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up.”

Here, Jesus alludes to Numbers 21:8–9, where Moses placed a bronze serpent on a pole as a remedy for those bitten by venomous snakes. Anyone who “looked up” at the lifted serpent was healed. In a parallel manner, Jesus, the Son of Man, would be lifted up on the cross, offering spiritual healing to all who look to Him in faith.

Connection to Messianic Prophecy

Isaiah 53 vividly describes a suffering servant, despised and forsaken, who would bear the sins of many. Although the Suffering Servant prophecy did not match the common picture of a triumphant warrior-king, early believers recognized Jesus as the fulfillment of those words. That same humility and apparent defeat in crucifixion is what leads to ultimate victory and exaltation (cf. Isaiah 53:10–12). By referencing “lifting up,” John aligns Jesus’ death with the prophesied Redeemer who would suffer on behalf of humanity.

Drawing All People Through Sacrifice

Jesus’ teaching in John’s Gospel emphasizes that the power of His crucifixion transcends cultural and ethnic boundaries. The phrase “will draw all men to Myself” (v. 32) anticipates a global scope of salvation, reflecting promises seen throughout Scripture that God’s redemptive plan extends beyond Israel to every nation (e.g., Genesis 12:3; Zechariah 2:11). Being “lifted up” becomes the ultimate sacrificial act that unites Jews and Gentiles under the lordship of Christ.

Jewish Expectation of a King vs. Reality of the Cross

Many first-century Jews expected a Davidic King who would lead a military triumph and usher in an age of peace (cf. Ezekiel 37:24–25). Instead, Christ reveals a kingdom built not on political power but on self-sacrifice and love. The cross was scandalous to such hopes (cf. 1 Corinthians 1:23) because it seemed to indicate defeat rather than victory. However, the crucifixion, searing as it was, became the central event through which eternal life is offered.

Symbolic Fulfillment in the Act of “Lifting Up”

1. Public Declaration of Kingship: Though crucifixion was intended to shame its victim, God used it to publicly proclaim Jesus’ kingship. The “title” above His head (John 19:19) read “King of the Jews,” ironically affirming His royal status in the sight of many nations.

2. Physical High-Profile Display: Victims were raised high where crowds could see. This earthly “exaltation” foreshadowed Jesus’ spiritual exaltation upon His resurrection and ascension (cf. Philippians 2:9).

3. Atonement Made Visible: Just as the bronze serpent offered visible hope to the bitten Israelites, seeing Jesus “lifted up” provides a tangible focal point for humanity’s sin and God’s atoning solution.

Theological Implications of Being “Lifted Up”

1. Substitutionary Atonement: Drawing from both Levitical sacrifices and New Testament teaching, Jesus’ death in the place of sinners satisfies divine justice and expresses divine love (cf. Hebrews 9:28).

2. Universal Offer of Salvation: The phrase “draw all men” (John 12:32) indicates that no ethnic or social barrier precludes individuals from coming to Jesus. The cross is the locus of God’s compassion for a broken world.

3. Fulfillment of Covenant Promises: This act embodies the continuity of the Abrahamic and Davidic covenants, showing that through the Messiah, every family on earth can be blessed (Genesis 12:3; 2 Samuel 7:12–13).

Historical and Archaeological Insights

Outside of Scripture, Roman writers like Cicero and the Jewish historian Josephus provide chilling details of crucifixion’s brutality. Archaeological evidence—such as the remains of a crucified man unearthed in Jerusalem dating to the first century—confirms that nails were driven through the ankles, and the victim was suspended. This aligns with the biblical depiction of Christ’s hands and feet being pierced (cf. Psalm 22:16). The very horror of this punishment underscores how Christ’s crucifixion would have been entirely unexpected for a Jewish Messiah, yet served as the pivotal act of redemption.

Practical Significance of the Messiah’s Lifting Up

1. Confronting Misconceptions: Jesus’ own disciples and the broader Jewish community needed to realize the divine plan encompassed a suffering Messiah. This reoriented faith away from temporal solutions to the deeper issues of sin and spiritual separation from God.

2. Invitation to Faith: By emphasizing the “lifting up,” John offers an invitation for readers to meditate on the sacrificial love displayed on the cross. This draws individuals to Christ through both conviction and hope.

3. Center of Worship and Unity: Christians gather around the cross not as a symbol of shame, but of victory and reconciliation. The “lifting up” unites believers in worship and invites the world to behold the love of God made manifest.

Conclusion

John 12:32–33 highlights Jesus’ crucifixion as the divinely orchestrated means of drawing all people to Himself. Against the backdrop of Jewish Messianic hopes for political intervention and the Roman practice of public execution, Christ subverts expectations by using a method of death to reveal eternal life. The “lifting up” signifies both literal elevation and theological exaltation—Jesus becomes the focal point of salvation for all who look to Him in faith. This event fulfills Scripture, confirms the new covenant promise, and calls every person to respond to the one, true Redeemer.