Scripture: John 12:23-37

²³ Jesus replied, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. ²⁴ Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. ²⁵ Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. ²⁶ Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me. ²⁷ “Now my soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. ²⁸ Father, glorify your name!” Then a voice came from heaven, “I have glorified it, and will glorify it again.” ²⁹ The crowd that was there and heard it said it had thundered; others said an angel had spoken to him. ³⁰ Jesus said, “This voice was for your benefit, not mine. ³¹ Now is the time for judgment on this world; now the prince of this world will be driven out. ³² And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” ³³ He said this to show the kind of death he was going to die. ³⁴ The crowd spoke up, “We have heard from the Law that the Messiah will remain forever, so how can you say, ‘The Son of Man must be lifted up’? Who is this ‘Son of Man’?” ³⁵ Then Jesus told them, “You are going to have the light just a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, before darkness overtakes you. Whoever walks in the dark does not know where they are going. ³⁶ Believe in the light while you have the light, so that you may become children of light.” When he had finished speaking, Jesus left and hid himself from them. ³⁷ Even after Jesus had performed so many signs in their presence, they still would not believe in him.

• Reject Christ = reap condemnation, hell, eternal damnation
• Reject the Light = live in fear and darkness
• Receive Christ = receive pardon, salvation, heaven, eternal life
• Receive the Light = live in the Light and become children of light

I. The MEANING of Lifted Up

A. To lift from lower position to higher position

• From the ground and up to the cross
• Lifted up on the cross = shame and separation from God
• Purpose:
  • 1. To bear God’s wrath for our sins, purchase our salvation and declare us righteous
  • 2. To have victory over Satan, sin, death, grave and hell

B. To exalt, extol and honor

• Lifted up in our life = brings glory and honour to God 
• Purpose:
  • 1. To acknowledge and affirm Jesus as Savior of our lives and of the world
  • 2. To celebrate His love, goodness and mercy, and our freedom in Him
  • 3. To honour Him as the exalted and glorified King of kings and Lord of lords.

II. The PEOPLE Who Will Lift Up Jesus

A. The Unbelievers

• They lift Him up to mock, condemn, crucify, and shame Him; to call Him a fraud; to despise Him; to use His name as a cursed word

B. The Cowards and Compromisers

• They lift Him up for selfish gains, recognition, and personal honour

C. The True and Faithful Believers (Servants of the Most High God)

• They lift Him up with their lives, words and actions

III. The RESULTS of Lifting Up Jesus

A. He will lift you up and honor you

• 1 Samuel 2:30; 1 Peter 5:6; James 4:10

B. He will draw people (the lost) to Himself

• by the sharing, teaching, preaching and power of the gospel – with miracles through your life and testimony

Challenge:

• Lift Jesus high in your life through your faith and good works
• Shine for Him at home, workplace, church, community, nation, overseas
• Reach out to a family member, friend or colleague in need
• Stand Up for Jesus anywhere, everywhere and at any time or situation
• Sing, praise, thank and worship Him in good and bad times
• Humble yourself before Him and watch Him lift you up and meet your every need