TOPIC:‌"The Summons of the Cross"

                  by Rev. Dr. Reg Dunlap

 

TEXT:‌John 12:24-33

 

"And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me" (12:32).

 

‌The incident which calls our attention today is strikingly presented by John the Evangelist, and since it is only recorded by John, it demands our solemn investigation. The Master had previously traveled through Bethany. He had already made His triumphal entry into Jerusalem. And now, being extremely conscious of what was going to happen to Him - a vicious death on a cruel cross - we find our Lord trying to make an everlasting impression upon the minds of His disciples.

 

‌The impression which Christ so greatly desired to make upon them was in the figure and form of a cross. It was the picture of His death that Christ wanted to be indelibly implanted in their souls. For Christ knew, though they did not, that the cross was the only path leading to resurrection and future life. So Christ revealed Himself to His disciples as the uplifted Savior, the dying Son of God, the atoning Sacrifice for sin.

 

‌Now most of us know what happened to those early disciples of Christ. With such a message ringing in their ears, they had to give it out. They could not be quiet. We read of them: "They that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word" (Acts 8:4). Listen, my friend, the same cross which summoned Christ to voluntarily lay down His life, is the same cross which summons us to enlist all our strength in the work of the Gospel. If the Cross meant that much to Christ and His followers, I ask you, can it mean anything less to us? Of course not!

 

I.

 

‌Let me suggest, first of all, the summons of the cross is to LOST SINNERS. Remember, it was Christ Himself who proclaimed: "For the Son of Man is come to seek and to save that which was lost" (Luke 19:10). Or again when Christ stated: "I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance" (Luke 5:32).

 

‌Now carry this thought over into the words of verse 32: "And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me." Here is where we find the universal proclamation of the Christian Gospel and unlimited offer of God's grace to every man. The elevation of Christ upon the cross has made it possible for all men without distinction and exception, all people without regard for nationality, ethnic affiliation or status, to be attracted to God's salvation as found in Jesus Christ. Dr. B. F. Westcott, in his commentary, may light our pathway to this truth when he writes: "The phrase 'all men' must not be limited in any way...We must receive it as it stands."

 

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