John 12:34
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?"
The crowd replied
The phrase "the crowd replied" indicates a collective response from those who were present. In the context of the Gospel of John, the "crowd" often represents a diverse group of people, including both believers and skeptics. The Greek word for "crowd" is "ochlos," which can imply a multitude or a throng, often with mixed intentions and understanding. This sets the stage for a dialogue that reveals the crowd's limited understanding of Jesus' mission and identity.

We have heard from the Law
The reference to "the Law" here is significant. In Jewish tradition, "the Law" often refers to the Torah, the first five books of the Old Testament, but it can also encompass the entire Hebrew Scriptures. The crowd's statement reflects their reliance on traditional interpretations of Scripture, which they believe promise a Messiah who will establish an eternal kingdom. This highlights the tension between Jesus' teachings and the prevailing messianic expectations of the time.

that the Christ will remain forever
The expectation that "the Christ will remain forever" is rooted in various Old Testament prophecies, such as those found in Isaiah and Daniel, which speak of an everlasting kingdom. The term "Christ" is the Greek equivalent of "Messiah," meaning "Anointed One." The crowd's understanding is based on a literal interpretation of these prophecies, expecting a political and earthly reign. This expectation contrasts with Jesus' mission, which is spiritual and eternal in nature.

So how can You say
This phrase introduces the crowd's confusion and challenge to Jesus' statement. It reflects a common theme in the Gospels where Jesus' teachings are misunderstood or questioned. The Greek word "lego," translated as "say," implies not just speaking but conveying a message or teaching. The crowd struggles to reconcile Jesus' words with their preconceived notions of the Messiah.

that the Son of Man must be lifted up?
The term "Son of Man" is a title Jesus frequently uses for Himself, drawing from Daniel 7:13-14, where it describes a heavenly figure with authority and glory. The phrase "must be lifted up" is a reference to Jesus' crucifixion, as well as His exaltation and ascension. The Greek word "hypsōthēnai," translated as "lifted up," carries a dual meaning of both physical elevation and exaltation. This concept challenges the crowd's understanding of the Messiah's role and destiny.

Who is this Son of Man?
The question "Who is this Son of Man?" reveals the crowd's uncertainty and lack of recognition of Jesus' true identity. Despite witnessing His miracles and hearing His teachings, they struggle to comprehend His divine nature and mission. This question invites readers to reflect on their own understanding of Jesus and challenges them to seek a deeper revelation of His identity as both the suffering servant and the exalted King.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The Crowd
A group of people present during Jesus' teaching, likely consisting of Jews familiar with the Scriptures and the prophecies concerning the Messiah.

2. The Law
Refers to the Jewish Scriptures, particularly the Torah and the prophetic writings, which the crowd references in their understanding of the Messiah's eternal reign.

3. The Christ
The anointed one, the Messiah, whom the Jews expected to establish an everlasting kingdom.

4. The Son of Man
A title Jesus frequently used for Himself, emphasizing both His humanity and His divine authority, drawing from Daniel 7:13-14.

5. Being Lifted Up
A reference to Jesus' crucifixion, which the crowd misunderstands as contradictory to their expectation of an eternal Messiah.
Teaching Points
Understanding Messianic Prophecies
The crowd's confusion highlights the importance of understanding the full scope of Messianic prophecies, which include both suffering and glory.

The Dual Nature of Christ's Mission
Jesus' mission involved both His sacrificial death and His eternal reign, which are not mutually exclusive but complementary.

The Importance of Spiritual Insight
The crowd's misunderstanding underscores the need for spiritual insight, which comes through the Holy Spirit, to grasp the full meaning of Jesus' words.

Faith in God's Plan
Trusting in God's plan requires faith, especially when His ways and timing differ from our expectations.

The Role of Scripture in Understanding Jesus
Regular study and meditation on Scripture are crucial for a deeper understanding of Jesus' identity and mission.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the crowd's understanding of the Messiah differ from Jesus' explanation of His mission? Reflect on how this might apply to our expectations of God's work in our lives.

2. In what ways does the title "Son of Man" reveal both the humanity and divinity of Jesus? How does this understanding impact your relationship with Him?

3. How can we reconcile the idea of a suffering Messiah with the expectation of an eternal, triumphant ruler? Consider how this duality is present in your own spiritual journey.

4. What steps can you take to ensure that your understanding of Scripture aligns with the full counsel of God's Word, rather than selective interpretations?

5. Reflect on a time when God's plan for your life differed from your expectations. How did you respond, and what did you learn about faith and trust in His sovereignty?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Daniel 7:13-14
This passage describes the "Son of Man" coming with the clouds of heaven, receiving an everlasting dominion. The crowd's understanding of the Messiah is rooted in such prophecies.

Isaiah 53
This chapter speaks of the suffering servant, which contrasts with the crowd's expectation of a triumphant, eternal Messiah.

Psalm 110:4
This verse speaks of the eternal priesthood of the Messiah, which the Jews might have interpreted as an everlasting earthly reign.

John 3:14-15
Jesus previously explained the necessity of being "lifted up," drawing a parallel to Moses lifting the serpent in the wilderness.
The Son of ManJ.R. Thomson John 12:34
Believing in the Light and its EffectsJ. R. Howat.John 12:34-36
Children of LightG. Fisk, LL. B.John 12:34-36
Delay Leads to the Winter of the SoulJ. Foster.John 12:34-36
Gospel LightThe EvangelistJohn 12:34-36
Light and its Little WhileH. Bonar, D. D.John 12:34-36
Light Limited in DurationT. H. Leary, D. C. L.John 12:34-36
Misunderstandings and ExplanationsD. Thomas, D. D.John 12:34-36
The Gospel of LightR. Watson.John 12:34-36
The Similitude of the LightT. Whitelaw, D. D.John 12:34-36
The Son of ManA. Maclaren, D. D.John 12:34-36
Too LateArvine.John 12:34-36
People
Andrew, Esaias, Isaiah, Jesus, Judas, Lazarus, Martha, Mary, Philip, Simon
Places
Bethany, Bethsaida, Galilee, Jerusalem, Zion
Topics
Abides, Abideth, Age, Behoveth, Christ, Crowd, Forever, Law, Lifted, Multitude, Necessary, Remains, Sayest, Says, Sense, Spoke
Dictionary of Bible Themes
John 12:34

     2233   Son of Man
     5279   crowds

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

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