Jesus Lifted Up, By Us or For Us?

“Jesus answered...‘And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.’” (John 12:32). I have heard this verse dozens of times in churches, often in conjunction with a church body announcing plans for their worship ministry and growth. Many church websites include a phrase similar to this: “Everything we do in worship at our church is all about lifting Jesus up” (notice the subtle shift of focus from Christ’s work to ours).