If I be lifted up

Jesus answered and said, “This voice did not come because of Me, but for your sake. Now is the judgment of this world; now the ruler of this world will be cast out. And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself.” This He said, signifying by what death He would die. – John 12.30-33

Jesus of course knew what had to happen. He knew that He has to die so that He could conquer death. He knew that He had to shed His blood for the sin of all mankind. He even knew that He had to be lifted up in crucixion to fulfil prophesy. He knew that the brazen serpent in the wilderness that was lifted up to deliver from the bite of the serpents was a picture of Messiah beling lifted up on the cross.

The purpose for being lifted was clear. Jesus said ‘If I be lifted up I will draw all men unto me.’ All men. Its just like the when the plague of serpents in the wilderness struck anyone who looked up to the servant would be delivered from death.

The offer of deliverance from the penalty of sin is for anyone who will look up to Jesus on the cross in faith. He had to be lifted up to provide deliverance for all who look to Him.