Help with John 12:32

[Carl Emerson]

Universalism is gaining popularity and a pivotal verse is John 12:32.

ESV
And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.

Can folks suggest what was meant by John in this verse please.

My thoughts are that He was prophesied to be the ultimate stumbling stone - one from whom no one could hide.

Judgement therefore amounts to Him weighing every mans response, in this life, to Himself (Jesus) witnessed to all men through the Gospel and/or through creation itself.

This is done through the work of the Holy Spirit who convicts the WORLD of sin, righteousness and judgement.

Your thoughts appreciated.

 

[Aunty Jane]

John 12:32….
“And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” (ESV)

Some translations say “all people”…others say “all men” so, to be in sync with the rest of scripture, what did Jesus mean by “all men” or “all people”?……because it is clear from other passages that “all people” are not acceptable to him. There are “sheep and goats”….”wheat and weeds”…and two roads, where only one (less travelled) leads to life. (Matt 7:13-14)

Going to Strongs to provide some clarity, we find that the meaning of the word “all” doesn’t necessarily mean “everyone”.

The word is “pas” and it means…

1. “individually
   1. each, every, any, all, the whole, everyone, all things, everything
2. collectively
   1. some of all types”

So when he said that he would “draw all people”, it clearly doesn’t literally mean “all people”, but more correctly, “people of all types ”, which fits in with what Jesus taught about some being rejected based on their thinking and conduct. (Matt 13:47-50; Matt 7:21-23) It was always about the heart, not a person’s education or intellect….but by what sort of human being they were, In how they treated others in their daily life.

There is a very good reason why Jesus sent out preachers into the community…..on the basis of their message, people would be either attracted, or repelled by the message…..or if they refused to listen, it was because of the messenger.…not what was said, but who said it. (Matt 10:11-15)

The Jews were taught to be prejudiced towards anyone who disagreed with what their leaders taught them.…and then God had the temerity to invite hated gentiles into his purpose for mankind. What they ignored was that this was in God’s plans all along. “All the nations“ we’re going to receive a blessing from Abraham’s seed. (Gen 22:18) The Jews got carried away with their lineage, and forgot about their conduct.

This preaching work gave everyone an opportunity to hear Jesus’ message of salvation and be saved, but it also created a basis for separation and judgment. Jesus told his disciples to preach the gospel (good news) to all who would listen, (Matt 24:14; Matt 28:18-20) and this preaching about God’s Kingdom was to continue until “the end of the age”, when Jesus was to return as judge. By that time all would have made their decisions, and will be dealt with according to Scripture.

That time is not far away….

 

[Lambano]

The Greek doesn't say "all" of what; it just says "all". The translators added "men" or "people" to try to make sense of it.

The context is the current prince of this world being kicked out (verse 31), so "I will draw all to myself" may mean Messiah will consolidate EVERYTHING and EVERYBODY under His rule when He has been glorified.