We Have Misquoted "Lifting up the Name of Jesus"

Worship

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

Those who love the Lord are often excited to worship Him through singing. Whether it is a Sunday morning service, a youth gathering, or an evening of worship, spending time singing together with fellow believers is always a deeply enriching experience. I am sure you have felt the joy that comes from worshipping the Lord in the community. During such times, you may have heard an enthusiastic worship leader say, "Let us lift up the name of Jesus," and then loosely quote John 12:32 saying “Jesus said, 'When I am lifted up, I will draw all people to myself.'” While the worship leader’s intentions are sincere, s/he is misquoting the scripture.

Lift Up

To be fair, the phrase "lift up" is commonly used in the Bible, especially when it comes to worship, both in the Old and New Testaments. For example, in Isaiah 24:14, we are told that when God judges the earth, the redeemed will "lift up their voices" and sing for joy. David, in Psalm 25:1, begins by saying, "To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul." And when the Hebrews would travel to Jerusalem to worship, they sang, “I lift up my eyes to the hills. Where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth” (Psalm 121:1-2).

In the New Testament, Paul gives Timothy instructions for worship, saying, “In every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling” (1 Timothy 2:8). Here, Paul is encouraging believers to live holy lives and lift their hands to God in prayer, instead of being driven by anger or conflict.

The Psalms also tell us to “ascribe glory” to God’s name (Psalm 29:2), and to “magnify the Lord...exalt his name together” (Psalm 34:3). We are called to "sing the glory of his name" (Psalm 66:2). These passages show that it is not only fine, but actually quite natural, to speak about “lifting up” the name of the Lord in worship. It is a way for us, as believers, to express our love and devotion to God when we come together to worship Him through song.

The Context of John 12:32

In John 12:32, Jesus is nearing the end of his earthly ministry, just a few days before his crucifixion. While he knows his death is coming, he is also fully aware of the victory over sin and evil that will come through his sacrifice. In this moment, Jesus speaks of the judgment of evil, the defeat of Satan, and the salvation that will be secured for all who believe in him.

The Meaning of "Lifted Up"

Jesus says in John 12:32, "And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself." At first glance, this might sound like Jesus is talking about being "lifted up" in worship or praise. But the very next verse, John 12:33, clarifies that Jesus is talking about how he will die by crucifixion. Being "lifted up" refers to Jesus being physically raised on the cross. This idea is also found earlier in John 3:14-15, where Jesus compares himself to the serpent Moses lifted up in the wilderness, saying, "so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life."

The Significance of Being Lifted Up

The phrase "lifted up" in this passage is closely tied to the crucifixion, not worship. Through his death on the cross and his later resurrection and ascension, Jesus would draw people from every nation, Jews and Gentiles alike, into a saving relationship with him. This is the core meaning of John 12:32. Jesus’ crucifixion is the moment when he would bear the sins of the world and open the way for all people to come to him.

Right Idea, Wrong Verse

While the worship leader may have good intentions when quoting this verse to encourage lifting Jesus up in worship, John 12:32 is specifically about his crucifixion. It is easy to misquote Scripture, even with the best of intentions, but this verse is not the best one to use when talking about worship. Instead, we can look to other passages that encourage us to lift up Jesus in praise. In this case, we can say, “Right idea, wrong verse.”

What is the Application?

It is important for us as believers, especially those in leadership roles, to be mindful of how we use Scripture in worship. The example of John 12:32 teaches us that while our intentions may be good, it is critical to understand the context of the verses we use.

1. Be Intentional with Scripture
   When leading worship or sharing biblical truths, take time to study the passages you want to reference. Misapplying Scripture can confuse or mislead others, even when it is done with the best intentions. Before quoting a verse, consider its original context and meaning. Just like in the case of John 12:32, not every verse is suited for every purpose. This encourages us to grow in biblical literacy and responsible teaching.

2. Use Scripture to Deepen Worship
   While John 12:32 may not be the best verse for encouraging praise, there are many other scriptures that are perfect for lifting up the name of Jesus in worship. For example, Psalm 34:3 says, “O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together.” When we take the time to use appropriate Scriptures in their proper context, we enhance the worship experience, guiding the congregation into a deeper, more meaningful expression of praise.

3. Understand the Power of the Cross
   John 12:32 is a beautiful and powerful reminder of Christ’s work on the cross. It is not about lifting Him up in worship but it is about His sacrifice that draws all people to salvation. Reflecting on the significance of the crucifixion helps us keep the gospel at the center of our lives. We worship not just because we love singing but because we are responding to the incredible gift of grace that Christ offered when He was lifted up on the cross.

4. Encourage Growth in Others
   If you are in a position to lead others, whether in worship, teaching, or sharing the Word, encourage those around you to also be intentional with Scripture. Cultivate an environment where people are eager to learn the true meaning of the verses they quote. When we grow in our understanding of the Bible, we are able to worship and serve with a deeper knowledge and love for God.

May God bless us all!

Source: “The Most Misused Verses in the Bible” by Eric J. Bargerhuff