John 12:34 – “The crowd spoke up, ‘We have heard from the Law that the Messiah will remain forever, so how can you say, “The Son of Man must be lifted up”? Who is this ‘Son of Man’?’”

Extended Explanation

In this verse, the crowd responds to Jesus’ statement in John 12:32-33, where He spoke about being “lifted up”—a clear reference to His crucifixion. The people are confused because their understanding of the Messiah does not include suffering or death. They expected the Messiah to establish an eternal kingdom, not to die on a cross.

They mention “the Law,” which, in this case, refers to the Old Testament Scriptures. Several passages, such as Psalm 89:36-37 and Daniel 7:13-14, speak of the Messiah’s everlasting rule. Because of these prophecies, the Jewish people believed that when the Messiah came, He would reign forever on David’s throne.

So when Jesus speaks of being “lifted up,” they are troubled. How can the promised Messiah, who is supposed to reign forever, die? Their question, “Who is this Son of Man?” suggests that they do not fully understand who Jesus is or what kind of Messiah He came to be.

This verse highlights a key misunderstanding: the people expected a political Messiah, but Jesus came as a suffering Savior. His kingdom was not about overthrowing Rome but about defeating sin and death.

Historical Context

At this point in Jesus’ ministry, He has entered Jerusalem to great celebration. Many people believe He is the Messiah, but their expectations are shaped by Jewish tradition, which anticipated a conquering king.

The title “Son of Man” comes from Daniel 7:13-14, where it describes a figure given authority, glory, and an everlasting kingdom. This is why the crowd is confused—if Jesus is the Son of Man, why does He speak about dying?

Jesus had repeatedly tried to teach His disciples that He must suffer and die (see Matthew 16:21), but even they struggled to understand. Now, the crowd is wrestling with the same issue. They want a king who will remove their earthly problems, but Jesus came to remove their spiritual problem—sin.

Their question, “Who is this Son of Man?”, reveals their doubt. They are trying to reconcile Jesus’ words with their expectations, but they are not fully willing to accept that the Messiah must suffer first before reigning in glory.

Theological Implications

1. People often misunderstand God’s plan – The crowd thought the Messiah would establish an earthly kingdom immediately, but God’s plan was much bigger.
2. Jesus is both the suffering servant and the eternal King – The people were right that the Messiah would reign forever, but they missed that He would first suffer and die (Isaiah 53:3-5).
3. Faith requires trust, not just knowledge – The crowd had knowledge of Scripture but did not understand how it applied to Jesus. True faith means trusting God’s plan even when we don’t fully grasp it.
4. Jesus’ kingdom is spiritual before it is physical – Many wanted political freedom, but Jesus was offering freedom from sin, which is far more important.

Literary Analysis

This verse is part of a dialogue between Jesus and the crowd. It follows a pattern seen often in John’s Gospel—Jesus makes a statement, and people misunderstand or question it.

Key literary elements in this verse:

• Contrast – The crowd contrasts their understanding of the Messiah with Jesus’ statement about being “lifted up.”
• Irony – The people assume Jesus is wrong, but in reality, they are the ones misunderstanding the Scriptures.
• Symbolism – “Lifted up” is a powerful phrase in John’s Gospel, referring to both crucifixion and exaltation (John 3:14, John 8:28).

The crowd’s question “Who is this Son of Man?” is especially significant. Jesus had already identified Himself as the Son of Man multiple times (John 8:28, John 9:35-37), yet they still do not recognize Him for who He is.

Biblical Cross-References

• Daniel 7:13-14 – “I saw one like a son of man… He was given authority, glory, and sovereign power; all nations and peoples of every language worshiped him.” This prophecy describes the Messiah’s eternal rule.
• Psalm 89:36-37 – “His line will continue forever and his throne endure before me like the sun.” The Jewish people expected the Messiah’s kingdom to last forever.
• Isaiah 53:3-5 – A prophecy about the suffering Messiah, which the people overlooked.
• John 3:14 – “Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up.” Jesus had already explained this before.
• Luke 24:25-26 – Jesus, after His resurrection, tells the disciples, “Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?”

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

Many people today struggle with the same issue as the crowd in John 12:34—they want a Savior who removes problems, but not one who calls them to repentance.

Jesus did not come to make life comfortable; He came to rescue people from sin. Just as the crowd had a hard time accepting that the Messiah had to suffer, many people today resist the idea that following Jesus includes trials and self-denial (Luke 9:23).

This verse also reminds Christians to trust God’s plan, even when it does not match human expectations. The people in Jesus’ day thought they understood God’s promises, but they were blind to the bigger picture. We must be careful not to make the same mistake—God’s ways are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9).

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is not always expressed in ways people expect. The Jewish people wanted a Messiah who would defeat Rome, but God sent a Messiah who would defeat sin and death.

This verse reminds us that God’s plan for salvation was not just about temporary relief but eternal restoration. Love does what is necessary, not just what is wanted. Jesus had to suffer so that people could be truly set free.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

John 12:34 highlights the tension between human expectations and God’s true purpose.

• Jesus is the Son of Man – The crowd asked, “Who is this Son of Man?”, but Jesus had already revealed Himself.
• Jesus had to be “lifted up” – The cross was necessary for salvation (John 12:32-33).
• Jesus will reign forever – The crowd was right that the Messiah’s kingdom is eternal, but they misunderstood how it would happen. Jesus will return as the victorious King (Revelation 19:11-16).
• John 8:28 – “When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am he.”
• Hebrews 2:9 – “But we do see Jesus, who was made lower than the angels for a little while, now crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death.”
• Revelation 11:15 – “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Messiah, and he will reign for ever and ever.”

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Why do you think the crowd struggled to accept that the Messiah would suffer?
2. In what ways do people today misunderstand Jesus’ mission?
3. How does knowing that Jesus is both the suffering servant and the eternal King shape your faith?
4. Have you ever had expectations of God that did not match His actual plan? How did you respond?
5. How can you help others understand that Jesus’ mission was not just about earthly problems but about eternal salvation?