Jesus as God
The Lifted-Up Jesus Draws All People to Himself
John's lifting-up motif deliberately joins crucifixion, exaltation, revelation, judgment, and salvation.
How this passage contributes to the case:
The labels below identify the kinds of evidence for Jesus' divinity found in this passage.
Select a label for an explanation.
Divine Identity
Divine Authority
Judgment of Humanity
Son of Man and Heavenly Authority
Judges Humanity
Exercises Divine Authority
Grants Salvation
Strength of evidence: Strong.
This passage provides substantial evidence relevant to Jesus' divine identity when read in its literary and historical context.
James Tissot — Life of Christ
Scripture
What Was Said or Done
Jesus declares that the world's judgment has arrived, that its ruler will be cast out, and that when lifted up he will draw all people to himself.
Historical and Cultural Context
Prophetic texts portray God as gathering the nations and judging evil; Daniel portrays heavenly dominion associated with the Son of Man.
Old Testament Background
Isaiah 45:22-23; Daniel 7:13-14 are important backgrounds.
Exposition
Jesus places himself at the center of the world's judgment and the universal drawing of people. The destination of the drawing is explicitly Jesus himself.
Why This Points to His Divinity
The cross becomes the event through which Jesus exercises saving and judicial authority on a universal scale.