In John 12:32, Jesus made a profound statement: “When I am lifted up, I will draw all men unto myself.” This verse is often misunderstood, with some interpreting the “lifting up” as Jesus’ ascension into heaven. However, in the very next verse, John 12:33, it is clarified that Jesus was referring to the manner of His death, specifically His crucifixion. This understanding is crucial for grasping the significance of the cross in the Christian faith.
The Cross and Its Meaning
When Jesus spoke about being “lifted up,” He was pointing to His impending crucifixion, a pivotal event in Christian theology. The cross is not just a symbol of sacrifice; it is the means by which Jesus would draw all humanity to Himself. A few Sundays ago, I explained that when Jesus talked about taking up the cross, He wasn’t speaking about a burden or a hardship we must carry. He was referring to His own cross—His sacrifice.
In the Gospels, Jesus says, “He that is not willing to bear his cross is not worthy of me.” The phrase “his cross” in this context refers to Jesus’ cross, not a personal burden or suffering. The Greek word for “bearing” means to lift up or exalt. Therefore, bearing the cross is about lifting up the message of the cross—exalting the crucifixion of Jesus as the foundation of faith.
The Crucifixion in Light of the Old Testament
The concept of being lifted up is not new. In John 3:14, Jesus draws a parallel between His crucifixion and the story of Moses lifting up the serpent in the wilderness. Just as the Israelites who looked at the serpent were healed, those who look to Jesus on the cross are saved. This imagery shows the continuity between the Old and New Testaments, emphasizing the centrality of the cross.
God revealed to me two things that happen when we preach the cross of Christ. First, people are drawn to Jesus. The message of the cross is compelling and transformative, attracting those who hear it. Second, as we continue to preach the cross, a spiritual river flows—God’s Spirit moves more powerfully, deepening our spiritual lives and enriching our faith.
The Cross in Genesis: The Tree of Life
God instructed me to preach the cross from the book of Genesis, which might seem unusual at first. However, in Genesis 2:8, we read about two trees in the middle of the Garden of Eden: the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil and the Tree of Life. While much attention is given to the Tree of Knowledge, which led to the fall of humanity, the Tree of Life is often overlooked.
Genesis 3 and the latter part of Genesis 2 are not just historical accounts; they speak to the spiritual condition of humanity. The Tree of Life represents the life that comes through Christ, who is the true source of eternal life. In Luke 23:40-43, when Jesus was crucified, one of the thieves beside Him recognized His righteousness and asked to be remembered when Jesus came into His kingdom. Jesus responded, “This day you will be with me in paradise.” This interaction teaches us that the way to paradise is through the Tree of Life—through faith in Christ, not through death.
Paradise: The Dwelling Place of God
The word “paradise” used by Jesus in Luke 23:43 translates to “Eden” in Greek, referring back to the Garden of Eden. The Tree of Life was planted in the middle of Eden, which represents God’s dwelling place. In Eden, God walked with Adam, symbolizing the intimate relationship between God and humanity. Jesus, through His crucifixion, restores this relationship, making paradise—a place of divine fellowship—accessible to all who believe.
Heaven is often thought of as a future destination, but Jesus’ words to the thief on the cross indicate that paradise, or Eden, is accessible through faith in Christ. This challenges the notion that one must wait until death to experience the fullness of God’s presence. Jesus’ promise to the thief illustrates that eternal life begins now through faith, not later.
The Urgency of Now: Faith in the Present
It’s important to understand that the Gospel’s message is not just about a future hope but about a present reality. Hebrews 11:1 states, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Faith is always in the present tense—it’s about trusting God and living in His promises now. If we focus solely on the future, we miss the power and presence of God in our lives today.
God is concerned with our present lives. While there is indeed a future heaven and hell, the emphasis of the Gospel is on the here and now. Faith in Christ brings immediate transformation, offering a taste of paradise in this life. The crucifixion was not just an event in history; it is the means by which we experience the fullness of life now, as we lift up Jesus and embrace His sacrifice.
In conclusion, the cross of Christ is central to our faith. It is through His crucifixion that we are drawn to Him, experience the fullness of God’s Spirit, and enter into paradise. As we keep our focus on the cross, we are reminded that faith is not just about the future—it is about living in the reality of God’s presence today.