Jesus

John 12:32 “And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.”

In John chapter 12, Jesus is staying in Bethany at the home of Mary, Martha and Lazarus because it was near to Jerusalem. It is just six days before Passover, and people are coming from all over the world to celebrate Passover. Crowds came out to Bethany to see Lazarus whom Jesus had raised from the dead. I can just see the crowds milling around Bethany and the house of Lazarus just to get a glimpse of him and Jesus. Jesus has eaten supper with Lazarus, and the house is filled with the perfume that Mary has poured on Jesus’ feet.

John 12:11 says, “The next day a great multitude that had come to the feast, heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem.” You can sense the anticipation and excitement of the crowd as they hear Jesus is coming. For many who have come from far this may have been their first glimpse of Jesus, the one they had heard so much about. As Jesus arrives, the crowds erupt in shouts of joy and praise, “Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!' The King of Israel!”  Not only is the multitude shouting, but John records that there was a voice from heaven like thunder that said, "I have both glorified it and will glorify it again," referring to His name.

It is in this awesome context that Jesus said, “And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.” Philippians 2:9-11 says, “Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” The central message of the early church was Jesus Christ and Him crucified; that there is no other name in heaven and earth by which people may be saved.

In Acts the Jewish leaders ordered Peter and John not to preach or teach at all in the name of Jesus, beat them, and imprisoned them when they continued to boldly proclaim that name.  At the name of Jesus the lame man at the temple walked, and the apostles performed many signs and wonders among the people. It was the name of Jesus that brought unity, growth, and blessing to the early church.

As we celebrate Palm Sunday and Easter, let us elevate Jesus not only in church but in our lives. Do not let the world intimidate you from using the name that is above every name.

Andy Clark