Three times in Scripture we find the expression “lifted up” used with reference to Jesus Christ: “As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up” (John 3:14).

    “When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he” (John 8:28).

    “And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me. This he said, signifying what death he should die” (John 12:32, 33).

    The lifting up of Jesus upon the cross is the central event of the ages. Considered to be the punishment by the Romans for the vilest of criminals, Jesus was willing to be crucified, dying for our sins. The cross has become His pulpit. Without the cross He would appear as no more than a wise philosopher. But on the cross He becomes our Savior. As Paul declared, “The preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness: but unto us which are saved it is the power of God” (1 Corinthians 1:18).