When Christ is Lifted Up

Daily Devotional – Wednesday, October 1, 2025
And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.
John 12:32 (NIV)

Someone is drowning in deep water. You are on the shore holding a lifeline. All they need to do is grab it. However, if you don’t throw it, they may not survive. That image helps us understand the story of Israel in the wilderness when God sent fiery serpents among them. The people, realizing their sin, cried out for mercy. In His grace, God instructed Moses to make a bronze serpent and lift it on a pole. Anyone who looked at it was healed.

Our Lifeline

Centuries later, Jesus connected that moment to Himself. He said, “And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to Myself.” He was speaking about His death on the cross. Just as the Israelites had to look at the bronze serpent to live, we must look to Christ in faith to receive salvation.

The story, though, doesn’t end with us receiving healing and forgiveness. Once we have looked to Jesus, we need to help others look to Him as well. Just like Moses lifted up the serpent for all to see, we are invited to lift up Christ in our words, actions, music, work, and relationships.

When Christ is Lifted Up

Around us are people wounded by sin, carrying pain and despair. Our role is not to save them because that is God’s work. Our responsibility is simply to point them to the One who heals, forgives, and restores. When Christ is lifted up, He draws people to Himself.

How are you lifting Jesus today? Through kindness, encouragement, sharing your story, or simply living in a way that reflects Him, you can be that person holding out the lifeline.

Prayer
Lord Jesus, help me lift You up through my words and actions so that others may see You, believe in You, and be saved.