John 8:28

When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that. am.

Though his Jewish hearers did not understand the import of his words, they are clear to us. The "lifting up" always points to the cross, and this victory of his enemies and humiliation of the Son of God, is always pointed to as the crisis in which his cause is won and his salvation made sure. Two years and. half before, in the interview with Nicodemus, he had said, "As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish but have eternal life." He taught in these and other passages that his "lifting up" would be the means of breaking down unbelief and leading men to "know him." The prediction was realized. His disciples were few in number until after he died, but the very act that his enemies fondly hoped would blot his name from history was the means of filling the world with believers. Fifty days after his crucifixion thousands of those who had "crucified and slain" him, cried, "Men and brethren, what shall we do?". few weeks after thousands more of those concerning whom Peter said, "I know that through ignorance you crucified the Lord of life and glory," became believers. Thus the work went on until the cross became. badge of honor, instead of. symbol of shame. The Lord, and indeed the whole Scripture, points to the death of Jesus as the central act of the Christian religion. It is his death that gives life to the world.