John 12:32 AMP
“And I, if and when I am lifted up from the earth [on the cross], will draw all people to Myself [Gentiles, as well as Jews].”
In God’s divine providence, He aligned Christ’s life on earth to coincide with Roman rule over Israel. While Caesar reigned from Rome, Pilate was based in Jerusalem to enforce Roman laws. When Christ was taken from Caiaphas, the high priest, to the Praetorium to face Pilate, the Roman Governor said to the angry Jews, “You take Him and judge Him according to your law.” Strangely, the Jews responded to Pilate and said, “It is not lawful for us to put anyone to death” (Joh 18:31 NKJV). That implies that had it not been for the Roman rule being in force in Israel at that time, Christ would not have been legally put to death.
However, prophecy already had it that the Messiah would have to suffer and die (Isa 53); for which God would prepare a people (Romans) and their laws to fulfill His divine purposes. Indeed, gruesome as the Roman method of execution (by crucifixion) was, we would be the most miserable of all people if Christ had not suffered and died. But thankfully, “…Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures” (1 Cor 15:3-4 NKJV). Hallelujah! What was foretold and the events at hand then all lined up so well for God’s purpose to be fulfilled for our salvation.
Just before the time of His death, the Lord Jesus said (in our reference text), “And I, if and when I am lifted up from the earth [on the cross], will draw all people to Myself [Gentiles, as well as Jews].” Hallelujah! Our being found in Christ today is purely the effect of what Christ said and did: we have been drawn to Him. Oh, what a blessing! Regardless of all the noise and what is going on under the sun, the Lord Jesus is still drawing people from all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues to Himself. In light of all that has been said, Paul’s encouragement provides great comfort: “…we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose” (Rom 8:28 NKJV). Hallelujah!
Pst. Emmanuel