Dear Christian friends:

Jesus' cross is like a magnet. You know how a magnet pulls nails or other metals to itself. So Jesus' cross pulls people to it. Better said, Jesus crucified draws all people unto Himself. In our text Jesus says, "And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me." (John 12:32)

The power of a magnet is electrical. But what is the power of Jesus' cross? Let us answer that question today.


Jesus says that Himself extended on the cross draws, "all men unto Him." And we know that has since happened. Since 2,000 years ago all various nations have been drawn to Jesus' cross. The Greeks here in our lesson were interested in Jesus. They said to Philip, "We want to see Jesus." (John 12:21) Jews and non-Jews, black and white, Koreans, Mexicans, Germans, Swedes, Norwegians, Danes, Chinese, Filipinos, Irish, Japanese, even Arabs. People from all the various nations on earth have been attracted to Jesus' cross. They have believed on Him, loved Him and served Him. Many have died for Jesus' sake.

What is the strange power of Jesus' cross? Why are all nations drawn to Jesus' cross?

There on the cross they see the wonderful love of God. St. Paul says, "God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8) And John writes, "In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins." (1 John 4:9-10) "God is love." (1 John 4:8)

Love, mercy, grace, that is the power of the cross. Love is stronger than electricity, force or the sword. Love, mercy, forgiveness of sins, that touches the stubborn sinner's heart and makes him confess his sins and believe in Jesus and love God the Father.

We should not be ashamed of the cross. Sometimes we are ashamed of the cross. Sometimes we are ashamed and fail to let others know that we are joined with Jesus' cross. We sometimes deny that we are Jesus followers, like Peter did. Paul said, "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile." (Romans 1:16)

Before we sign-sang, When I Survey the Wondrous Cross:

1. When I survey the wondrous cross
on which the Prince of glory died,
my richest gain I count but loss,
and pour contempt on all my pride.

2. Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast
save in the death of Christ, my God!
All the vain things that charm me most,
I sacrifice them through his blood.

Jesus saw the cross as His glory and the Father's glory. (John 12:23-24, 27-28)

We should follow Jesus and love others like He loved us serving them and helping them. (John 12:25-26) Then our Father in heaven will honor us.

Amen.