Why Christ was Lifted Up
John 12:31-33
Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out.…


Expression of text used three times to teach that the Son of Man must be lifted up in order —

I. TO GIVE A DEMONSTRATION OF HIS DIVINE MANHOOD (chap. John 7:28).

1. Christ proved Himself to be true man by dying as every man dies.

2. He proved Himself to be Divine by dying as no other man ever died.

(1)  His death unique in its supernatural accompaniment.

(2)  In its voluntariness.

II. TO BRING TO BEAR THE MOST POWERFUL DIVINE ATTRACTION UPON MAN (John 12:32).

1. The strongest bonds of attraction between man and man are love and sympathy. These two are braided together in a two-fold cord in Christ crucified.

2. He was lifted up to draw men out of and keep them away from the sins that had kept them from Him.

III. TO ACCOMPLISH A DIVINE REDEMPTION FOR MAN (chap. John 3:14). Salvation is absolutely fastened to Christ crucified.

1. Without the shedding of blood is no remission.

2. The Divine imperative "must.

(A. J. Gordon.)



Parallel Verses
KJV: Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out.

WEB: Now is the judgment of this world. Now the prince of this world will be cast out.




The World's Hour of Deepest Revolution
Top of Page
Top of Page