Lifting Up Jesus, Pt.1

But I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself.” (John 12:32 NIV)

Jesus is talking about what kind of death He is going to die. He is talking about being nailed to a cross, lifted up from the earth, and then in His death drawing all people groups to Himself. The Christ’s death we are drawn to God and brought to life.

As a Christ-follower, spiritual leader, communicator, and pastor I realize from this verse that I too must lift up Jesus. I must lift up the Jesus who died for me and for the rest of the world. This means that I must elevate Jesus above every other passion, pleasure, or practice in this world. I must not let any one else’s personal agenda block the view of the cross or be elevated above Christ. Agendas will compete for this position that alone belongs to Christ. Personal agendas, political agendas, and even church pet-program agendas (you know the ones that God cares more about than any other – the one that will make or break the church). In all reality, no program will make or break a church – IT IS JESUS WHO MAKES & BREAKS THE CHURCH. When we lift up Jesus, it is Jesus that people will be drawn to. If we lift up something or someone else (a cool song, an edgy video, or slick new program) people may be drawn to that too, but we have failed in our mission from Jesus. And then we turn back to follow Christ, all those people who were following the cool video, the rockin song, and the snazzy new program will bail anyway. We must lift up Jesus above all else. We must advertise Jesus and market Jesus above everything else.