LIFTING JESUS UP

For many years, I have been aware of how John 12:25 was misused in Christian circles. Worship leaders especially have quoted Jesus' words out of context. He said, "If the Son of Man is lifted up from the earth, He will draw all men unto Himself." Worship leaders declare, "Let us lift Jesus up, and as we worship Him, He will draw all men unto Himself!" That sounds almost like an exact quote and application of Scripture, except for one thing: the context. Jesus was referring to His crucifixion, not to His exaltation.

So, Jesus was crucified. And through that monumental offering, He began the process by which He draws all people to Himself. Jesus had been praised by thousands in a triumphal entry into Jerusalem on Sunday. But the only act that can bring people into relationship with God is that horrific event that took place on Friday. Let us not misdirect the words of Jesus to mean something other than what He said.

But wait a minute. Maybe I have over-reacted for these years. Maybe Paul had it right when he said that he determined to know nothing but Christ and Him crucified. Paul lifted up Christ as One crucified for the sins of many. Peter on the day of Pentecost glorified God by declaring that the same Jesus whom those witnesses had crucifed was now made both Lord and Christ. Zechariah the prophet declared that every eye would see Him, even those who pierced Him, and that they would mourn. The death of Jesus is where the power of the Gospel is found. And even today, when a movie is made depicting the reality of the events of the crucifixion of Jesus, it becomes both controversial and spiritually powerful. The enemies of Jesus don't mind people lifting up Jesus in worship; it's declaring the crucifixion that cuts to the heart and brings conviction (and persecution).

So maybe it's not a matter of either the crucifixion or worship. Maybe it is a matter of lifting Jesus up as the crucified Lord of heaven and earth. Indeed, let us lift up Jesus! Lift Him up from the earth, put Him again on that tree in humiliation and pain. Let us see Him afresh, suffering and crucified. Lift up Christ, you saints of His! Lift up Christ, repentant Jews! Lift up Christ, Mel Gibson! Lift up Christ, and let us see the glory of the cross!

"Thank you for the cross, Lord Jesus. Thank you for the blood that You shed. I honor You for Your sacrifice, because Good Friday declares my deliverance. Glory be to You, Lord God, King of the universe, the Father who raised Jesus the Son through the overwhelming power of the Spirit, one God without end. Amen."