31 Now judgment is upon this world [the sentence is being passed]. Now the ruler of this world (Satan) will be cast out. 32 And I, if and when I am lifted up from the earth [on the cross], will draw all people to Myself [Gentiles, as well as Jews].” 33 He said this to indicate the kind of death by which He was to die.
John 12:31-33 (AMP)
If you think these passages should all be discussed as one, you’re right. But limitations of the blog and reading effort would easily make it over 3-5 minutes. So we take it in small chunks. I encourage you to consider reading them as a unit – starting with verse 20 of chapter 12.
Judgment of the world
Some of you may read v31 and immediately think back to John 3:17 where Jesus tells Nicodemus that God did not send His Son into the world to condemn (or judge) the world. You wonder, then, if verse 31 contradicts that. You’re very astute. I had the same question.
What is the judgment Jesus is talking about? Here are some clues:
- He’s about to be crucified.
- He came as the Lamb of God to take away the sin of the world. (John 1:29)
- Sin requires judgment.
Got it? The judgment Jesus is talking about is God the Father judging the sin of all mankind in Him, Jesus, on the cross.
Likewise, the death of Jesus caused Satan, the ruler of this world (John 14:30; 16:11; Matt. 4:8-9) to be cast out of the world. His authority is limited by God’s will and purposes.
Death by crucifixion
Jesus here predicts not just that He will die, but the means of death – crucifixion. His death is unique. It was the only event that could address racial divide – both among the Jews and Gentiles then and between all races and classes of people today. “Jesus’ death, resurrection, and ascension would draw all people without distinction (ethnic or social), not all people without exception, to Himself.” (planobiblechapel.org)
<- Reflection ->
- Please don’t forget to remember that Jesus took the full judgment of all sin of all mankind from the Father. Yours and mine are included. Let’s give humble, joyful thanks.
