John 12:32
And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw everyone to Myself."
And I
This phrase emphasizes the personal role of Jesus Christ in the divine plan of salvation. The Greek word for "I" is "ἐγώ" (egō), which is used emphatically here to highlight Jesus' unique authority and identity as the Son of God. In the context of the Gospel of John, Jesus frequently uses "I" statements to reveal His divine nature and mission, such as in the "I am" statements that echo God's self-revelation in the Old Testament (Exodus 3:14).

when I am lifted up
The phrase "lifted up" comes from the Greek word "ὑψόω" (hypsoō), which can mean both a physical lifting and an exaltation. Historically, this refers to Jesus' crucifixion, where He was literally lifted up on the cross. However, it also signifies His glorification and the fulfillment of His redemptive work. In the broader scriptural context, this dual meaning reflects the paradox of the cross: a moment of apparent defeat that becomes the ultimate victory over sin and death.

from the earth
This phrase underscores the physical reality of Jesus' crucifixion. The earth, in biblical symbolism, often represents the realm of human existence and sin. Jesus being lifted "from the earth" signifies His separation from the world of sin and His role as the bridge between humanity and God. It also foreshadows His resurrection and ascension, where He transcends earthly limitations.

will draw
The Greek word "ἑλκύω" (helkyō) means to attract or pull towards oneself. This indicates the powerful, irresistible nature of Christ's love and sacrifice. Historically, the crucifixion has been a central point of attraction for believers throughout the ages, drawing people from all walks of life to the message of the Gospel. Theologically, it speaks to the work of the Holy Spirit in drawing individuals to faith in Christ.

all men
The phrase "all men" (Greek: "πάντας" - pantas) reflects the universal scope of Jesus' redemptive work. It emphasizes that the offer of salvation through Christ is available to every person, regardless of race, gender, or social status. This inclusivity is a recurring theme in the New Testament, highlighting the breaking down of barriers and the formation of a new, united people of God.

to Myself
The phrase "to Myself" indicates the personal relationship that Jesus offers to each believer. The Greek "ἐμαυτόν" (emauton) emphasizes the intimate connection between Christ and those who come to Him. This reflects the heart of the Gospel message: that through Jesus' sacrifice, individuals are not only saved from sin but are also brought into a personal, transformative relationship with Him. In the broader biblical narrative, this points to the ultimate reconciliation and unity of all things in Christ (Ephesians 1:10).

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jesus Christ
The central figure in this verse, Jesus is speaking about His impending crucifixion and the impact it will have on humanity.

2. The Cross
While not explicitly mentioned in this verse, the "lifting up" refers to Jesus being crucified, a pivotal event in Christian theology.

3. The Crowd
The audience to whom Jesus is speaking, which includes both His disciples and others gathered around Him.

4. Jerusalem
The city where these events are taking place, significant as the center of Jewish worship and the location of Jesus' crucifixion.

5. The World
Implicit in "all men," indicating the universal scope of Jesus' drawing power through His crucifixion.
Teaching Points
The Power of the Cross
Jesus' crucifixion is the means by which He draws all people to Himself. It is a demonstration of God's love and justice, providing a way for reconciliation.

Universal Call
The phrase "all men" indicates the inclusive nature of the Gospel. Jesus' sacrifice is sufficient for all, and His call extends to every person, regardless of background.

Response to the Call
While Jesus draws all men, individuals must respond to His call. This involves faith and repentance, turning towards Jesus as Savior and Lord.

Exaltation through Humility
Jesus' lifting up on the cross is paradoxically His exaltation. Believers are called to follow His example of humility and service.

Evangelistic Implications
Understanding that Jesus draws all men to Himself should motivate believers to share the Gospel, trusting in the power of the cross to transform lives.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the concept of being "lifted up" in John 12:32 relate to the Old Testament account of Moses and the bronze serpent?

2. In what ways does Jesus' crucifixion serve as a drawing point for all people, and how should this influence our approach to evangelism?

3. How can we reconcile the universal call of Jesus with the reality that not all respond to His drawing? What role does human free will play in this process?

4. Reflect on a time when you felt drawn to Jesus. What circumstances or events led to that experience, and how did you respond?

5. How can we, as believers, embody the humility and service of Jesus in our daily lives, following His example of being "lifted up"?
Connections to Other Scriptures
John 3:14-15
Jesus compares His crucifixion to Moses lifting up the serpent in the wilderness, emphasizing the necessity of His being "lifted up" for salvation.

Philippians 2:9-11
Paul speaks of Jesus being exalted by God, which complements the idea of Jesus drawing all men to Himself through His sacrificial act.

Isaiah 52:13-15
This prophecy speaks of the Servant being exalted and lifted up, which Christians interpret as a foreshadowing of Jesus' crucifixion and its global impact.

Colossians 1:20
Paul discusses reconciliation through the blood of the cross, aligning with the idea of Jesus drawing all men to Himself.

Acts 2:21
Peter declares that everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved, reflecting the universal offer of salvation through Jesus.
Divine AttractionJ.R. Thomson John 12:32
The All-Attracting JesusD. Young John 12:32
The Saving Influence of ChristB. Thomas John 12:32
The Universal MagnetAlexander MaclarenJohn 12:32
A Lesson to Pastors and TeachersPastor Funcke., W. Baxendale.John 12:20-33
A Sight of JesusL. H. Wiseman, M. A.John 12:20-33
A Sight of JesusC. A. Stakeley.John 12:20-33
Andrew: Leading Others to ChristT. Gasquoine, B. A.John 12:20-33
Certain GreeksG. M. Grant, B. D.John 12:20-33
Congregations Want to See ChristPastor Funcke.John 12:20-33
East and West Coming to ChristG. M. Grant, B. D.John 12:20-33
Every Christian May be UsefulW. Arnot.John 12:20-33
Manifestations of HumanityD. Thomas, D. D.John 12:20-33
Opportunity to be UsedG. A. Sowter, M. A.John 12:20-33
Seeing ChristR. Collyer, D. D.John 12:20-33
The Consequences of Seeing JesusH. Bonar, D. D.John 12:20-33
The Desire to See JesusW. Birch.John 12:20-33
The Great ExhibitionD. Griffiths.John 12:20-33
The Incident and its SignificanceF. Godet, D. D.John 12:20-33
The Inquiring GreeksC. S. Robinson, D. D.John 12:20-33
The Movement of Greek Thought Toward ChristH. Macmillan, D. D.John 12:20-33
The Two EpiphaniesH. Macmillan, D. D.John 12:20-33
We Would See JesusG. A. Sowter, M. A.John 12:20-33
What the World Owes to the GreeksH. Macmillan, D. D.John 12:20-33
Wishing to See JesusJ. Vaughan, M. A.John 12:20-33
A Lesson for Preachers and ChurchesJ. Brown, D. D.John 12:31-33
Christ Drawing AllJ. G. Greenhough, M. A.John 12:31-33
Christ Drawing, not DraggingAbp. Trench.John 12:31-33
Christ Lifted UpC. H. Spurgeon.John 12:31-33
Christ the Great MagnetT. L. Cuyler.John 12:31-33
Christ's KingdomMarcus Dods, D. D.John 12:31-33
Invisible AttractionT. De Witt Talmage, D. D.John 12:31-33
Nothing But the Cross Draws for Any Length of TimeJ. C. Jones, D. D.John 12:31-33
The Attraction of the CrossDean Vaughan.John 12:31-33
The Attraction of the CrossJ. Angell James.John 12:31-33
The Attraction of the CrossR. Fuller, D. D.John 12:31-33
The Attractive Power of ChristJ. Rawlinson.John 12:31-33
The Attractive Power of ChristJ. G. Lowrie, M. A.John 12:31-33
The Attractive Power of Christ CrucifiedCanon Liddon.John 12:31-33
The Attractive Power of the Crucified SaviourC. H. Spurgeon.John 12:31-33
The Attractiveness of ChristF. Ferguson, D. D.John 12:31-33
The Attractiveness of the CrossG. Matheson, B. D.John 12:31-33
The Centripetal Power of Christ Overcoming the Centrifugal Attraction of SinHomiletic ReviewJohn 12:31-33
The CrossB. W. Noel, M. A.John 12:31-33
The Death of Christ and its ResultsJ. Brown, D. D.John 12:31-33
The Great AttractionC. H. Spurgeon.John 12:31-33
The Great AttractionC. H. Spurgeon.John 12:31-33
The Mighty MagnetHomiletic ReviewJohn 12:31-33
The Moral Attraction and Separation of the CrossA. T. Gordon.John 12:31-33
The Power of Christ's DeathF. Carter.John 12:31-33
The Power of the CrossT. Davies, Ph. D.John 12:31-33
The Universality of ChristH. Melvill, B. D.John 12:31-33
The Uplifted SaviourJ. Graham.John 12:31-33
The World's Hour of Deepest RevolutionF. Godet, D. D.John 12:31-33
Why Christ was Lifted UpA. J. Gordon.John 12:31-33
Wondrous AttractionH. O. Mackey.John 12:31-33
People
Andrew, Esaias, Isaiah, Jesus, Judas, Lazarus, Martha, Mary, Philip, Simon
Places
Bethany, Bethsaida, Galilee, Jerusalem, Zion
Topics
Draw, Lifted, Myself
Dictionary of Bible Themes
John 12:32

     2315   Christ, as Lamb
     5223   banner
     5849   exaltation

John 12:23-32

     2422   gospel, confirmation

John 12:27-33

     1193   glory, revelation of

John 12:31-33

     2309   Christ, as judge

John 12:32-33

     1424   predictions
     2411   cross, predictions
     2525   Christ, cross of
     2570   Christ, suffering
     5281   crucifixion

Library
Easter Day
Chester Cathedral. 1870. St John xii. 24, 25. "Verily, verily, I say unto you, except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal." This is our Lord's own parable. In it He tells us that His death, His resurrection, His ascension, is a mystery which we may believe, not only because the Bible tells us of it, but because
Charles Kingsley—All Saints' Day and Other Sermons

December 28 Evening
We would see Jesus.--JOHN 12:21. O Lord, we have waited for thee; the desire of our soul is to thy name, and to the remembrance of thee. The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth. Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.--I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.--Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

September 8 Evening
Christ the firstfruits.--I COR. 15:23. Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.--If the firstfruit be holy the lump is also holy: and if the root be holy, so are the branches.--Now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.--If we have been planted together in the likeness of his death we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection.--The Lord Jesus Christ . . . shall change our vile
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

September 22 Evening
O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.--MATT. 26:39. 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. I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.--He . . . became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.--In the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

May 8 Morning
It pleased the Lord to bruise him; he hath put him to grief.--ISA. 53:10. 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. Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again.--Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done. And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him. Being found in
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

February 29 Morning
Boast not thyself of tomorrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.--PROV. 27:1. Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.--Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth. While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light. Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

June 12. "We Would See Jesus" (John xii. 21).
"We would see Jesus" (John xii. 21). Glory to Him for all the things laid up for us in the days to come. Glory to Him for all the visions of service in the future; the opportunities of doing good that are far away as well as close at hand. Our Saviour was able to despise the cross for the joy that was before Him. Let us look up to Him, and rise up to Him till we get on high and are able to look out from the mount of vision over all the land of far distances. There shall not a single thing come to
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

November 19. "We Would See Jesus" (John xii. 21).
"We would see Jesus" (John xii. 21). When any great blessing is awaiting us, the devil is sure to try and make it so disagreeable to us that we shall miss it. It is a good thing to know him as a liar, and remember, when he is trying to prejudice us strongly against any cause, that very likely the greatest blessing of our life lies there. Spurgeon once said that the best evidence that God was on our side is the devil's growl, and we are generally pretty safe in following a thing according to Satan's
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

May 8. "Except a Corn of Wheat Fall into the Ground and Die" (John xii. 24).
"Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die" (John xii. 24). Death and resurrection are the central ideas of nature and Christianity. We see them in the transformation of the chrysalis, in the buried seed bursting into the bud and blossom of the spring, in the transformation of the winding sheet of winter to the many tinted robes of spring. We see it all through the Bible in the symbol of circumcision, with its significance of death and life, in the passage of the Red Sea and the Jordan
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

April 14. "I if I be Lifted up from the Earth Will Draw all Men unto Me" (John xii. 32).
"I if I be lifted up from the earth will draw all men unto Me" (John xii. 32). A true and pure Christian life attracts the world. There are hundreds of men and women who find no inducements whatever in the lives of ordinary Christians to interest them in practical religion, but who are won at once by a true and victorious example. We believe that more men of the world step at a bound right into a life of entire consecration than into the intermediate state which is usually presented to them at the
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

After Christ: with Christ
'If any man serve Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there shall also My servant be.'--John xii. 26. Our Lord was strangely moved by the apparently trivial incident of certain Greeks desiring to see Him. He recognised and hailed in them the first-fruits of the Gentiles. The Eastern sages at His cradle, and these representatives of Western culture within a few hours of the Cross, were alike prophets. So, in His answer to their request, our Lord passes beyond the immediate bearing of the request,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Universal Magnet
'I, if I be lifted up ... will draw all men unto Me.'--JOHN xii. 32. 'Never man spake like this Man,' said the wondering Temple officials who were sent to apprehend Jesus. There are many aspects of our Lord's teaching in which it strikes one as unique; but perhaps none is more singular than the boundless boldness of His assertions of His importance to the world. Just think of such sayings as these: 'I am the Light of the world'; 'I am the Bread of Life'; 'I am the Door'; 'A greater than Solomon is
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Son of Man
'... Who is this Son of Man?'--JOHN xii. 34. I have thought that a useful sermon may be devoted to the consideration of the remarkable name which our Lord gives to Himself--'the Son of Man.' And I have selected this instance of its occurrence, rather than any other, because it brings out a point which is too frequently overlooked, viz. that the name was an entirely strange and enigmatical one to the people who heard it. This question of utter bewilderment distinctly shows us that, and negatives,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Love's Prodigality Censured and vindicated
'Then Jesus, six days before the passover, came to Bethany, where Lazarus was which had been dead, whom He raised from the dead. There they made Him a supper; and Martha served: but Lazarus was one of them that sat at the table with Him. Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped His feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment. Then saith one of His disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, which should betray
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

A New Kind of King
'On the next day much people that were come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, took branches of palm-trees, and went forth to meet Him, and cried, Hosanna: Blessed is the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord. And Jesus, when He had found a young ass, sat thereon; as it is written, Fear not, daughter of Sion: behold, thy King cometh, sitting on an ass's colt. These things understood not His disciples at the first: but when Jesus was glorified, then remembered
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

A Parting Warning
'Jesus therefore said unto them, Yet a little while is the light among you. Walk while ye have the light, that darkness overtake you not: and he that walketh in the darkness knoweth not whither he goeth. While ye have the light, believe on the light, that ye may become sons of light.'--JOHN xii. 35,36 (R.V.). These are the last words of our Lord's public ministry. He afterwards spoke only to His followers in the sweet seclusion of the sympathetic home at Bethany, and amid the sanctities of the upper
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Praise of Men.
"They loved the praise of men more than the praise of God."--John xii. 43. This is spoken of the chief rulers of the Jews, who, though they believed in Christ's Divine mission, were afraid to confess Him, lest they should incur temporal loss and shame from the Pharisees. The censure passed by St. John on these persons is too often applicable to Christians at the present day; perhaps, indeed, there is no one among us who has not at some time or other fallen under it. We love the good opinion
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VII

The Saviour Lifted Up, and the Look of Faith.
"As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up: that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life."-John iii. 14, 15. "And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me. (This he said, signifying what death he should die.)"-John xii. 32, 33. IN order to make this subject plain, I will read the passage referred to-Num. xxi. 6-9. "And the Lord sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people; and much
Charles G. Finney—Sermons on Gospel Themes

On the Words of the Gospel, John xii. 44, "He that Believeth on Me, Believeth not on Me, but on Him that Sent Me. " against A
1. What is it, Brethren, which we have heard the Lord saying, "He that believeth on Me, believeth not on Me, but on Him that sent Me"? [4174] It is good for us to believe on Christ, especially seeing that He hath also Himself expressly said this which ye have now heard, that is, that "He had come a Light into the world, and whosoever believeth on Him shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." [4175] Good then it is to believe on Christ; and a great evil it is not to believe on
Saint Augustine—sermons on selected lessons of the new testament

Christ Lifted Up
We have three things to notice. Christ crucified, Christ's glory. He calls it a lifting him up. Christ crucified, the minister's theme. It is the minister's business to lift Christ up in the gospel. Christ crucified, the heart's attraction. "I, if I be lifted up, will draw all men unto me." His own glory--the minister's theme--the heart's attraction. I. I begin then: CHRIST'S CRUCIFIXION IS CHRIST'S GLORY. He uses the word "lifted up" to express the manner of his death. "I, if I be lifted up, will
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 3: 1857

Israel and Britain. A Note of Warning
Her rejection of the Lord Jesus is the more amazing because Isaiah gave so clear an account of the Messiah, and so clearly pictured Jesus of Nazareth. Descriptions of him could not have been more explicit than were the prophecies of Isaiah. It would be very easy to construct an entire life of Christ out of the book of Isaiah, beginning with "a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel," and ending with "he made his grave with the wicked and with the rich in his death."
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 31: 1885

Sermon for St. Stephen's Day
Of three grades of those who learn to die unto themselves, like corn of wheat, that they may bring forth fruit; or of those who are beginners, those who are advancing, and those who are perfect in a Divine life. John xii. 24.--"Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit." BY the corn of wheat we understand our Lord Jesus Christ, who by His death has brought forth much fruit for all men, if they are but willing not only to reign
Susannah Winkworth—The History and Life of the Reverend Doctor John Tauler

Answer to the Jewish Rabby's Letter.
WE Are now come to the letter of Mr. W's Jewish Rabby, whom Mr. W. calls his friend, and says his letter consists of calm and sedate reasoning, p. 55. I on the other hand can see no reason in it. But the reader than not need to rely upon my judgment. Therefore I will transcribe some parts of it, and then make some remarks. The argument of the letter is, that the story of Lazarus's being raised is an imposture; or else the Jews could not have been so wicked, as to be on that account provoked against
Nathaniel Lardner—A Vindication of Three of Our Blessed Saviour's Miracles

Our First Proposition Was, that There is Satisfactory Evidence that Many Pretending to be Original...
Our first proposition was, That there is satisfactory evidence that many pretending to be original witnesses of the Christian miracles, passed their lives in labours, dangers, and sufferings, voluntarily undertaken and undergone in attestation of the accounts which they delivered, and solely in consequence of their belief of the truth of those accounts; and that they also submitted, from the same motives, to new rules of conduct. Our second proposition, and which now remains to be treated of, is,
William Paley—Evidences of Christianity

Links
John 12:32 NIV
John 12:32 NLT
John 12:32 ESV
John 12:32 NASB
John 12:32 KJV

John 12:32 Commentaries

Bible Hub
John 12:31
Top of Page
Top of Page