Drawn to Jesus
John 12:28–36
And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself. John 12:32
To whom does Jesus promise to draw people? The answer is: to himself. It is not said that Jesus will draw men and women to the visible church, still less to one particular expression of it. It is not said that he will draw them to a particular denomination, sect, movement, or program. It is possible that he may bless these endeavors and even raise up leaders for them but he does not promise that he will draw men and women to any of these. The promise is only that they will be drawn to Jesus. “Himself to himself!” That is the heart of the text. Is it your desire that those you know might indeed be drawn to him?
I apply this principle first to believers and then to unbelievers.
First, to believers involved in serving Christ. If you are serving Christ, you undoubtedly are trying to lead others to him; if you are, learn first that if you would win men and women for Jesus, you must draw them rather than drive them to him. Some think that people are won by black looks and scowls, but few come to this kind of preaching or witnessing. Do not scowl at people. Do not seek to condemn them. Love them for Christ’s sake, and draw them through his love and by gentle invitations.
Second, learn even as you seek to draw them that, nevertheless, it is Christ who draws and who must therefore be the great and sole attraction. Would you win people? Then do not deal too much with more peripheral matters. Of course, you must cover the whole counsel of God in time in your preaching, if you are a preacher. You must also deal honestly with whatever questions are asked you as a result of your witnessing, regardless in what direction they tend. But to win men and women, it must be the case that Christ, rather than these other matters, is central. And, more than this, it must be Christ crucified. Speak of the Christ who died for sinners, and that very Christ will draw sinners to himself in abundance.
If you are not yet a Christian, learn that if Jesus said he will draw men and women to himself, then he will draw them now as much as at any point in history. He has not changed. The value of his death has not changed. People have not changed. The problems have not changed. The attraction of the Lord Jesus Christ is always present, and he will draw people now. Do you sense that he is drawing you? If so, do not ask, “May I come to Jesus?” Of course you may come, if you are drawn to come. If he is drawing you, come! Resist no longer. Turn from all that might hold you back and fly to Jesus.
Taken from Come to the Waters by James Boice ISBN 9798887790954 used with permission from P&R Publishing, Phillipsburg NJ 08865
Scripture quotations are from the ESV (the Holy Bible English Standard Version) copyright 2001 by Crossway a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. All rights reserved.