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John 12:32
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- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
I - will draw all men unto me - After I shall have died and risen again, by the preaching of my word and the influence of my Spirit, I shall attract and illuminate both Jews and Gentiles. It was one of the peculiar characteristics of the Messiah, that unto him should the gathering of the people be, Gen 49:10. And probably our Lord refers to the prophecy, Isa 11:10, which peculiarly belonged to the Gentiles: "There shall be a root of Jesse which shall stand for an Ensign of the people, to it shall the Gentiles seek, and his rest shall be glorious." There is an allusion here to the ensigns or colors of commanders of regiments, elevated on high places, on long poles, that the people might see where the pavilion of their general was, and so flock to his standard. Instead of παντας, the Codex Bezae, another, several versions, and many of the fathers, read παντα, all men, or all things: so the Anglo-Saxon, I will draw all things to myself. But παντα may be here the accusative singular, and signify all men. The ancients fabled that Jupiter had a chain of gold, which he could at any time let down from heaven, and by it draw the earth and all its inhabitants to himself. See a fine passage to this effect in Homer, Iliad viii. ver. 18-27. Ειδ' αγε, πειρησασθε θεοι, ἱνα ειδετε παντες, Σειρην χρυσειην εξ ουρανοθεν κρεμασαντες· Παντες δ' εξαπτεσθε θεοι, πασαι τε θεαιναι. κ. τ. λ. "Now prove me: let ye down the golden chain From heaven, and pull at its inferior links, Both goddesses and gods: but me your king, Supreme in wisdom, ye shall never draw To earth from heaven, strive with me as ye may. But I, if willing to exert my power, The earth itself, itself the sea, and you, Will lift with ease together, and will wind The chain around the spiry summit sharp Of the Olympian, that all things upheaved Shall hang in the mid heaven. So much am I, Alone, superior both to gods and men. Cowper. By this chain the poets pointed out the union between heaven and earth; or, in other words, the government of the universe by the extensive chain of causes and effects. It was termed golden, to point out, not only the beneficence of the Divine Providence, but also that infinite philanthropy of God by which he influences and by which he attracts all mankind to himself. It was possibly in allusion to this that our Lord spoke the above words. Should it be objected that it is inconsistent with the gravity of the subject, and the dignity of our Lord, to allude to the fable of a heathen poet, I answer: 1. The moral is excellent, and, applied to this purpose, expresses beautifully our Lord's gracious design in dying for the world, viz. That men might be united to himself, and drawn up into heaven. 2. It is no more inconsistent with the gravity of the subject, and his dignity, for our blessed Lord to allude to Homer, than it was for St. Paul to quote Aratus and Cleanthes, Act 17:28, and Epimenides, Tit 1:12; for he spoke by the same Spirit. So justice was sometimes represented under the emblem of a golden chain, and in some cases such a chain was constructed, one end attached to the emperor's apartment, and the other hanging within reach; that if any person were oppressed he might come and lay hold on the chain, and by shaking it give the king notice that he was oppressed, and thus claim protection from the fountain of justice and power. In the Jehangeer Nameh, a curious account of this kind is given, which is as follows. The first order which Jehangeer issued on his accession to the throne (which was A.H. 1014, answering to a.d. 1605) was for the construction of the Golden Chain of Justice. It was made of pure gold, and measured thirty yards in length, consisting of sixty links, and weighing, in the whole, four Hindostany maunds (about four hundred pounds avoirdupois.) One end of the chain was suspended from the royal bastion of the fortress of Agra, and the other fastened in the ground near the side of the river. The intention of this was, that if the officers of the courts of law were partial in their decisions, or dilatory in the administration of justice, the injured parties might come themselves to this chain, and, making a noise by shaking the links of it, give notice that they were waiting to represent their grievances to his majesty. Hist. of Hindostan, p. 96, Calcutta, 1788. Such a communication, prayer and faith establish between the most just and most merciful God, and the wretched and oppressed children of men. "And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me." O thou that hearest prayer, unto thee shall all flesh come! Psa 65:2.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me--The "I" here is emphatic--I, taking the place of the world's ejected prince. "If lifted up," means not only after that I have been lifted up, but, through the virtue of that uplifting. And truly, the death of the Cross, in all its significance, revealed in the light, and borne in upon the heart, by the power of the Holy Ghost, possesses an attraction over the wide world--to civilized and savage, learned and illiterate, alike--which breaks down all opposition, assimilates all to itself, and forms out of the most heterogeneous and discordant materials a kingdom of surpassing glory, whose uniting principle is adoring subjection "to Him that loved them." "Will draw all men 'UNTO ME,'" says He. What lips could venture to utter such a word but His, which "dropt as an honeycomb," whose manner of speaking was evermore in the same spirit of conscious equality with the Father?
John Gill Bible Commentary
This he said,.... These are the words of the evangelist, interpreting the design of Christ in the above words, thereby signifying what death he should die; the phrase of being lifted up from the earth, not only signified his death, but the kind, or manner of it, that it should be by crucifixion; a person crucified being stretched forth upon a cross, and that erected, was lifted up between earth and heaven.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
12:32-34 when I am lifted up from the earth (see 3:14; 8:28): The crowd did not understand what Jesus meant. The Greek verb refers to being exalted (Matt 23:12) or honored (Luke 10:15). In John, the cross was not a place of shame and disgrace for Jesus, but the place where Jesus’ true glory was shown.
John 12:32
Jesus Predicts His Death
31Now judgment is upon this world; now the prince of this world will be cast out.32And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw everyone to Myself.”33He said this to indicate the kind of death He was going to die.
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(John) 17 - the Light Shinning
By Alan Redpath5.7K44:13JohnJHN 12:27JHN 12:32JHN 12:36JHN 12:44In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the verse "While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light." The sermon is divided into three main points: opportunity, responsibility, and transformation. The preacher emphasizes that while we have the opportunity to believe in the light, which is Jesus, it is our responsibility to respond and believe in Him. This belief in Jesus brings about a transformation in our lives, making us sons of light. The preacher also highlights John's verdict on Jesus' work, emphasizing that belief in Christ is identified with belief in God, a vision of Christ is a vision of God, faith in Christ dispels all darkness, and Jesus came to save the world, not to judge it.
Marching to Glory
By Warren Wiersbe4.0K36:50JHN 12:12JHN 12:23JHN 12:32JHN 12:34In this sermon, the preacher discusses the three views of the glory of God. He emphasizes that the glory of God can bring deliverance and solve problems in our lives. The preacher focuses on the glory of the king, Jesus, as he rode into Jerusalem fulfilling Old Testament Scripture and promises. The people hailed Jesus as the king of Israel, but the Pharisees were threatened by his popularity. The preacher also mentions the record-breaking ticker tape parades in New York City and relates them to the glory and honor given to Jesus as the king.
Christ the Center
By David Platt3.3K43:34MAT 16:18MAT 16:24JHN 3:30JHN 6:37JHN 12:32ACT 2:36ACT 11:24ACT 13:48ACT 18:9HEB 13:13This sermon emphasizes the importance of knowing Christ intimately, trusting Him completely, proclaiming Him boldly, and obeying Him sacrificially. It highlights that the church is built on the foundation of Christ and the proclamation of His glory. The call is to lay down our lives for His mission, leading to ultimate satisfaction and fulfillment in Him.
K-031 God Crucified
By Art Katz2.7K1:11:13Christ CrucifiedISA 53:5MAT 16:24LUK 9:23JHN 12:321CO 1:18GAL 2:20GAL 6:14In this sermon, the speaker discusses the evidence of Jesus' crucifixion and the significance of the wounds he endured. The speaker mentions that experts and anatomists have examined a linen cloth that contains over 200 lash marks, which were made visible through a photographic negative created by coagulated blood. The wounds on Jesus' body, including lash marks, bleeding on the scalp, and other signs of torture, are seen as a testament to his love and sorrow. The speaker also reflects on personal experiences and encounters with individuals who reject or misunderstand the message of the cross. The sermon emphasizes the importance of embracing the cross of Jesus Christ and warns against compromising one's faith in the face of increasing temptation.
The Battle Is for the Mind
By Josef Tson2.2K44:14MAT 6:33MAT 10:16MAT 16:24JHN 12:32JHN 20:21ROM 8:311CO 1:18In this sermon, the speaker discusses the essence of communism and other satanic movements, which he identifies as being rooted in lies, hate, and violence. He shares a personal experience of being a Christian student in a communist regime and the need to come together to find arguments for Christ in order to combat indoctrination. The speaker also recounts a powerful story of being arrested and interrogated, where he boldly confronts his interrogator with the power of his faith and willingness to die for his beliefs. He concludes by asserting that even in death, his message will continue to spread and inspire others to follow God.
Gods Order in Christ - Part 6
By T. Austin-Sparks2.1K51:29Order In ChristISA 14:12JHN 3:14JHN 8:28JHN 12:32REV 7:9REV 14:3In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the immense power of evil forces in the world and how they laugh at human efforts to undo their work. He highlights the futility of trying to repair the damage caused by sin and the downfall of leaders and nations before this force. However, the speaker also points out that there is one thing that can overcome this power, and that is the cross of the Lord Jesus. He refers to the conflict between heaven and earth that arose with sin and the discordant note that disrupted the harmony. The speaker suggests that this discordant note can be found in the prophecies of Isaiah, specifically in chapter 14. He also mentions the story of Job and how his attempts to justify himself and find fellowship with others failed until the Lord intervened and reminded him of the harmony that existed before sin entered the world.
Baptism by Fire
By Hyman Appelman1.9K45:58BaptismISA 53:3MAT 6:33JHN 12:32ROM 10:17In this video, the story revolves around a man named Hyman Appelman, who was known for his logical thinking and ability to distinguish truth from falsehood. Despite his skills, when he encountered the truth of the gospel, he found it irresistible and it transformed his life. He left his profession, dissolved his partnership, and took up manual labor jobs to share his testimony and preach the word of God. However, his new life was not without challenges, as he received a telegram informing him of his mother's critical condition. The video ends with the suspense of whether his mother is alive or not.
Move Out of the Way
By Bill McLeod1.4K49:07SurrenderPSA 102:10MAT 6:33JHN 12:20JHN 12:32In this sermon, the speaker tells a story about a man who admits to being a scoundrel and hurting many people, but feels he deserves to be punished. The speaker emphasizes the importance of walking with God and not being envious of wrongdoers. The sermon then shifts to discussing the story of Joseph's father and how God protected and led him. The speaker encourages the audience to learn from Joseph's story and trust in God's plan, even when faced with challenges and setbacks.
The Provision of a More Abundant Life
By Dan Augsburger1.4K49:42Abundant LifeMAT 6:33JHN 12:32ROM 12:22CO 5:17GAL 2:20EPH 1:31TH 5:23In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing and letting go of cherished sins and idols in our lives. God, who sees our hidden sins, works to separate these sins from us through a process of purification. The speaker highlights the need to trust God's way of purifying and changing us, as only He knows the best way. The sermon also emphasizes the progressive journey of dying to self, using the example of the Israelites' journey through the wilderness. Ultimately, victory over sin and evil habits comes from accepting Jesus and yielding to Him, receiving a new nature and the power to live a new life.
Abraham, My Friend: 03 Known Unto God
By Ron Bailey1.3K14:27AbrahamGEN 11:28NUM 21:9MAT 6:33LUK 2:51JHN 12:32ACT 17:30In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the concept of God's providence and how it relates to the lives of believers. He highlights the idea that while we may not fully understand God's plans in the present or future, looking back in retrospect, we can see His hand at work. The speaker uses the example of Jesus feeding the five thousand to illustrate how God already knows what He will do, even when we are unsure. The sermon also touches on the importance of doing the will of God, as it leads to eternal abiding. Overall, the message encourages listeners to trust in God's providence and to seek His will in their lives.
Christophany
By Eric Ludy1.0K1:17:02JHN 12:321CO 1:23COL 1:15COL 3:1HEB 12:2This sermon focuses on the importance of seeing Jesus clearly amidst the confusion and distractions in Christianity. It emphasizes the need for the Spirit of God to reveal Jesus to us, the significance of Christ's work on the cross, and the essence of making everything about Jesus. The message challenges believers to refocus on Jesus, cleanse distractions, and prioritize the centrality of Christ in their lives.
Holl-10 De Gekruisigde God (The Crucified God)
By Art Katz9131:05:53HollandPSA 22:17ISA 53:5LUK 9:23JHN 12:32ROM 6:61CO 1:18GAL 6:14In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power of the cross of Christ and the need to boast only in it. He highlights the sacrifice Jesus made, being humiliated and crucified to save humanity from humiliation. The preacher also discusses the significance of the wounds in Jesus' hands, head, and feet, representing our thoughts and practices. He warns about the increasing casualties and problems in the world, particularly regarding sexual immorality, and emphasizes the importance of considering these issues to maintain a strong witness. The sermon concludes with a reminder of the crucifixion of Christ and the need to love righteousness and hate iniquity.
Living in Union With Christ in Dangerous Times - Part 1
By Josef Tson90154:38MAT 10:16JHN 12:32ROM 6:6ROM 13:14EPH 2:10COL 3:3HEB 2:14REV 3:21This sermon delves into the theology of martyrdom, emphasizing the author's journey of researching and writing on suffering, martyrdom, and rewards in heaven. It explores the challenges faced in dangerous times, the importance of having a clear worldview in Christ, and the revelation of being liberated from the fear of death through Christ's sacrifice. The sermon highlights the concepts of sovereignty of God, living as lambs among wolves, and the aggression of love in spiritual warfare.
Value of the Word
By Walter Wilson86040:55Word Of GodJOB 23:12PSA 119:11MAT 11:28JHN 3:16JHN 5:24JHN 12:32ROM 10:9In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of treating the Bible like food for our souls. He compares it to a bottle filled with various ingredients, encouraging listeners to take in different aspects of God's word, even the bitter parts, and be grateful for them. The preacher shares his experience of preaching a message that had something relevant for everyone in the audience, and how the verses he used were like food that nourished their souls. He also highlights the Bible as God's X-ray and diagnostic machine, helping us understand what is wrong inside us. The sermon concludes with the preacher sharing how he applied these principles in his subsequent preaching engagements.
K-526 Tv Show Part 10 a Jew Inwardly
By Art Katz72628:28InterviewMAT 28:19MRK 5:15MRK 16:15JHN 12:32JHN 13:202CO 4:62CO 5:17In this sermon, the speaker shares his personal journey of coming to know God. He explains that he was initially self-assured and opinionated, but eventually recognized the futility of his life. During a year of traveling, he encountered people who knew God and their testimonies opened his understanding. Ultimately, he had a revelation of God in Jerusalem and joined a congregation of Jewish believers. The speaker emphasizes the importance of having a transformed life and the light of God shining through one's own actions and words in order to effectively witness to others. He also highlights the role of the Holy Spirit in this process.
Audio Sermon: Humble Yourself
By Leonard Ravenhill63751:22JHN 12:32ACT 4:12ACT 5:29HEB 13:8JAS 5:16This sermon emphasizes the need for a revival and a divine intervention from God. It recounts powerful stories of past revivals, highlighting the passion, prayer, and dedication of individuals who experienced the Holy Spirit's move. The speaker challenges the audience to seek God wholeheartedly, forsake materialism, and prioritize a genuine encounter with Jesus Christ, calling for a return to the old rugged cross and a deep hunger for God's presence.
Finding Seed Wheat for Jesus
By Brad Allen51940:24JesusMAT 6:33JHN 12:20JHN 12:23JHN 12:27JHN 12:32REV 20:10In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of surrendering one's life to Jesus Christ. He highlights three significant statements made by Jesus in the Bible. The first statement is that the world will be judged by the cross, as Jesus came to bring light into a world that loves darkness. The preacher emphasizes that salvation is not complicated, but rather, one should simply throw themselves in the general direction of Jesus Christ. He shares the story of Billy Graham's conversion and how God has been using him to bring people to Christ. The preacher calls on the congregation to be willing to be planted as seed-tweets for Jesus, whether it be in preaching, missionary work, or any other calling.
Death Leads to Life
By Jim Cymbala45224:38DeathMAT 6:33MAT 16:24JHN 12:20JHN 12:32In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of dying to oneself in order to produce new life. He references the story of Jesus entering Jerusalem on a donkey, which marks the beginning of the final week of his life leading up to his crucifixion and resurrection. The speaker emphasizes that we cannot die to ourselves on our own, but rather it is a process that God works in us. He encourages the audience to surrender to God's work in their lives and to trust in His plan, even when facing difficult circumstances.
Ford at Southside-st.louis 01 Matt 27
By Stan Ford38750:09MAT 27:1MAT 27:26JHN 3:14JHN 8:24JHN 12:32JHN 12:34JHN 19:17In this sermon, the speaker begins by talking about a hypothetical scenario where the world's greatest pianist sits down to play on a toy piano instead of a grand piano. He uses this analogy to illustrate that the instrument is not sufficient for the pianist's talent, just as our own abilities are not enough to reconcile us with God. The speaker then shares an emotional story from his own life to emphasize the importance of Jesus and his sacrifice on the cross. He explains that Jesus reveals the heart and love of God through his death and resurrection, and challenges the audience to consider what they will do with Jesus in their own lives.
The Cross, the Crown, the King
By Shane Idleman1931:32SalvationThe CrossMAT 12:40LUK 2:34JHN 12:32GAL 3:13HEB 12:21PE 2:24Shane Idleman emphasizes the significance of the cross, the crown, and the King in his sermon, urging believers to recognize the importance of fasting and spiritual discipline in a world where appetites often distract from God. He reflects on the necessity of understanding the bad news of sin to fully appreciate the good news of grace, highlighting that the cross serves as a bridge from death to life. Idleman passionately explains that Jesus willingly bore our sins, conquering death and offering salvation, and he encourages the congregation to embrace the cross as the central point of their faith. He warns against the dilution of the Gospel message in contemporary culture and calls for a return to the truth of Scripture. Ultimately, he invites listeners to remember the power of the cross and the blood of Christ during communion, emphasizing the transformative relationship it offers.
The Conditions of Success
By R.A. Torrey0Soul WinningConditions for SuccessLUK 19:10JHN 12:32ACT 1:8ACT 8:29ROM 10:17GAL 2:20GAL 5:221TI 1:152TI 2:211PE 1:23R.A. Torrey emphasizes that the conditions for success in personal work and soul-saving begin with a personal, experiential knowledge of Jesus Christ as Savior. He outlines the necessity of a clean life, absolute surrender to God, and a deep realization of the lost condition of those outside of Christ. Love, perseverance, practical knowledge of the Bible, prayer, and the baptism with the Holy Spirit are also essential for effective soul-winning. Torrey stresses that true success in personal work comes from a heart transformed by Christ and a life dedicated to His service.
The Only Way Into Union With Christ.
By Watchman Nee0The CrossUnion with ChristJHN 12:32JHN 15:5ROM 6:32CO 3:6PHP 3:10Watchman Nee emphasizes that true union with Christ cannot be achieved without a continual application of His death in our lives. He argues that many believers misunderstand the relationship between the Cross and the risen Christ, believing they can bypass the Cross to experience a deeper union. Nee highlights that the Spirit of Christ is intrinsically linked to Calvary, and that to truly abide in Christ, one must share in His death. He warns against the deception of seeking a life of union without acknowledging the necessity of the Cross, asserting that true victory over sin and spiritual life comes from this union. Ultimately, he calls believers to a deeper understanding and experience of the Cross as essential for spiritual growth and power.
The Cross and the Disruptive Power of Sin
By T. Austin-Sparks0The Power of the CrossUnity in the ChurchJHN 3:14JHN 8:28JHN 12:32ACT 13:2ROM 8:21CO 1:23EPH 4:3PHP 2:9COL 1:20REV 5:9T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the significance of the Cross as a unifying force against the disruptive power of sin, illustrating how sin acts as a spiritual disease that disintegrates both individuals and communities. He highlights that the Cross not only bears our sins but also judges and destroys the effects of sin, calling for a return to Divine order through the Holy Spirit's guidance. The sermon challenges believers to reflect on the Cross's role in their personal lives and local assemblies, urging them to seek the Holy Spirit's control to maintain unity and effectiveness in the Church. Ultimately, the message points to the Cross as the central theme of reconciliation and the foundation for a new creation where Christ is the focal point. Sparks calls for a deep examination of motives and situations in light of the Cross's transformative power.
The Immense Significance of Jesus Christ: Crucified, Risen, and Exalted
By T. Austin-Sparks0The Cross of ChristNew CreationJHN 12:32ROM 6:61CO 1:182CO 5:17GAL 2:20EPH 3:10PHP 2:9COL 2:15HEB 12:21PE 1:3T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the immense significance of Jesus Christ as Crucified, Risen, and Exalted, urging believers to see Him as the focal point of the Bible and their lives. He reflects on the transformation of Saul of Tarsus, who, upon encountering the glorified Christ, realized the depth of his own humanity and the cosmic implications of the Cross. Sparks explains that the Cross represents not only the death of the old humanity but also the birth of a new creation, with the Church called to embody this reality. He stresses that true ministry and the Church's purpose are rooted in the Cross, which serves as the foundation for the Holy Spirit's work. Ultimately, he calls for a deeper understanding of the Cross's power and its implications for believers today.
Boasting That Brings Blessing!
By Theodore Epp0The CrossTrue Glory in ChristJHN 12:32ROM 6:71CO 1:312CO 5:17GAL 5:24GAL 6:14EPH 2:8PHP 3:3COL 3:31PE 5:6Theodore Epp emphasizes that the crucifixion of Christ is not merely a historical event but a transformative way of life that leads to resurrection and freedom from sin. He contrasts the self-glory sought by the Judaizers through fleshly accomplishments with the true glory found in the cross of Christ. Epp warns against living a Christian life based on fleshly efforts, urging believers to find their boast in the crucified and risen Savior. The sermon challenges listeners to reflect on what they truly boast about in their lives.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
I - will draw all men unto me - After I shall have died and risen again, by the preaching of my word and the influence of my Spirit, I shall attract and illuminate both Jews and Gentiles. It was one of the peculiar characteristics of the Messiah, that unto him should the gathering of the people be, Gen 49:10. And probably our Lord refers to the prophecy, Isa 11:10, which peculiarly belonged to the Gentiles: "There shall be a root of Jesse which shall stand for an Ensign of the people, to it shall the Gentiles seek, and his rest shall be glorious." There is an allusion here to the ensigns or colors of commanders of regiments, elevated on high places, on long poles, that the people might see where the pavilion of their general was, and so flock to his standard. Instead of παντας, the Codex Bezae, another, several versions, and many of the fathers, read παντα, all men, or all things: so the Anglo-Saxon, I will draw all things to myself. But παντα may be here the accusative singular, and signify all men. The ancients fabled that Jupiter had a chain of gold, which he could at any time let down from heaven, and by it draw the earth and all its inhabitants to himself. See a fine passage to this effect in Homer, Iliad viii. ver. 18-27. Ειδ' αγε, πειρησασθε θεοι, ἱνα ειδετε παντες, Σειρην χρυσειην εξ ουρανοθεν κρεμασαντες· Παντες δ' εξαπτεσθε θεοι, πασαι τε θεαιναι. κ. τ. λ. "Now prove me: let ye down the golden chain From heaven, and pull at its inferior links, Both goddesses and gods: but me your king, Supreme in wisdom, ye shall never draw To earth from heaven, strive with me as ye may. But I, if willing to exert my power, The earth itself, itself the sea, and you, Will lift with ease together, and will wind The chain around the spiry summit sharp Of the Olympian, that all things upheaved Shall hang in the mid heaven. So much am I, Alone, superior both to gods and men. Cowper. By this chain the poets pointed out the union between heaven and earth; or, in other words, the government of the universe by the extensive chain of causes and effects. It was termed golden, to point out, not only the beneficence of the Divine Providence, but also that infinite philanthropy of God by which he influences and by which he attracts all mankind to himself. It was possibly in allusion to this that our Lord spoke the above words. Should it be objected that it is inconsistent with the gravity of the subject, and the dignity of our Lord, to allude to the fable of a heathen poet, I answer: 1. The moral is excellent, and, applied to this purpose, expresses beautifully our Lord's gracious design in dying for the world, viz. That men might be united to himself, and drawn up into heaven. 2. It is no more inconsistent with the gravity of the subject, and his dignity, for our blessed Lord to allude to Homer, than it was for St. Paul to quote Aratus and Cleanthes, Act 17:28, and Epimenides, Tit 1:12; for he spoke by the same Spirit. So justice was sometimes represented under the emblem of a golden chain, and in some cases such a chain was constructed, one end attached to the emperor's apartment, and the other hanging within reach; that if any person were oppressed he might come and lay hold on the chain, and by shaking it give the king notice that he was oppressed, and thus claim protection from the fountain of justice and power. In the Jehangeer Nameh, a curious account of this kind is given, which is as follows. The first order which Jehangeer issued on his accession to the throne (which was A.H. 1014, answering to a.d. 1605) was for the construction of the Golden Chain of Justice. It was made of pure gold, and measured thirty yards in length, consisting of sixty links, and weighing, in the whole, four Hindostany maunds (about four hundred pounds avoirdupois.) One end of the chain was suspended from the royal bastion of the fortress of Agra, and the other fastened in the ground near the side of the river. The intention of this was, that if the officers of the courts of law were partial in their decisions, or dilatory in the administration of justice, the injured parties might come themselves to this chain, and, making a noise by shaking the links of it, give notice that they were waiting to represent their grievances to his majesty. Hist. of Hindostan, p. 96, Calcutta, 1788. Such a communication, prayer and faith establish between the most just and most merciful God, and the wretched and oppressed children of men. "And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me." O thou that hearest prayer, unto thee shall all flesh come! Psa 65:2.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me--The "I" here is emphatic--I, taking the place of the world's ejected prince. "If lifted up," means not only after that I have been lifted up, but, through the virtue of that uplifting. And truly, the death of the Cross, in all its significance, revealed in the light, and borne in upon the heart, by the power of the Holy Ghost, possesses an attraction over the wide world--to civilized and savage, learned and illiterate, alike--which breaks down all opposition, assimilates all to itself, and forms out of the most heterogeneous and discordant materials a kingdom of surpassing glory, whose uniting principle is adoring subjection "to Him that loved them." "Will draw all men 'UNTO ME,'" says He. What lips could venture to utter such a word but His, which "dropt as an honeycomb," whose manner of speaking was evermore in the same spirit of conscious equality with the Father?
John Gill Bible Commentary
This he said,.... These are the words of the evangelist, interpreting the design of Christ in the above words, thereby signifying what death he should die; the phrase of being lifted up from the earth, not only signified his death, but the kind, or manner of it, that it should be by crucifixion; a person crucified being stretched forth upon a cross, and that erected, was lifted up between earth and heaven.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
12:32-34 when I am lifted up from the earth (see 3:14; 8:28): The crowd did not understand what Jesus meant. The Greek verb refers to being exalted (Matt 23:12) or honored (Luke 10:15). In John, the cross was not a place of shame and disgrace for Jesus, but the place where Jesus’ true glory was shown.