“And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me. This he said, signifying what death he should die.” (John 12:32,33)
We attribute power to those who are able to influence others. When a speaker, or a band, or a performer can move large audiences and have them in the palm of their hand we recognize power. Simon Magus had that kind of power in Samaria until he was eclipsed by the ministry of the apostles. (Acts 8:9-11) He was so addicted to being a “great one” among the people, that when he lost his influence, he was willing to pay to get it back again. “… He offered them money, saying, Give me also this power.” (Acts 8:18,19)
We walk in the pride of life when we crave having influence to feed our ego. Jesus had vast crowds following Him. At His peak, He was the most powerful man people had ever seen. The masses marveled saying, “It was never so seen in Israel.” (Mt. 9:33) But the mission of Jesus went beyond what He did in Israel two thousand years ago. God intended for Him to do more than touch sick bodies. He knew through what means He would have the greatest, deepest influence in every century, in every corner of the world. He must get to the cross. There, crucified in weakness, despised as a failed would-be Messiah, He would exercise His greatest influence on the history of mankind.
Where men see power, God sees weakness. Where men see weakness, God sees power. The names of the “gods” of this earth will soon be forgotten. Those who are now celebrated and idolized – those with the ability and talent to move multitudes will one day have to bow with all creation and confess that the Crucified One is the Greatest Influencer the world has ever known.
Don’t wait until that day to be moved to your knees. See as God sees. Be amazed by the Power of God, disguised in weakness, on the cross. Be drawn to Him today.